It is a treatment option in the UK for some people from 18 years of age with severe or difficult to manage asthma. It will not be suitable for everyone and decisions about treatment are made on an individual basis. It is not generally used to treat people with mild or occasional asthma.
Bronchial thermoplasty is not suitable for people:
- Under 18 years of age.
- Who have a pacemaker, internal defibrillator or other implantable electronic device.
- Those with a known sensitivity to medicines needed to carry out a bronchoscopy, for example lidocaine, atropine and benzodiazepines.
- Those who have had bronchial thermoplasty before.
Possible side effects of bronchial thermoplasty
There is the possibility that side effects may occur after the treatment but they are rarely severe.
- Some people have reported coughing and wheezing immediately after the procedure.
- Side effects normally settle within 7 days with standard asthma treatment.
- There is a small risk of being admitted to hospital to treat symptoms.
For more information discuss with your GP or respiratory specialist.
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