First Aid News - March 2007

Revolutionary Treatment Success For Asthma - Bronchial Thermoplasty

A British experiment in the treatment of asthma has shown remarkable success for such an unusual method of surgery. A study has been carried out on 112 asthma sufferers from 18 to 65 in different countries and the beneficial effects of the treatment are still clear a year later.

Basically, bronchial thermoplasty consists of burning a section of lung tissue by use of a probe. This causes damage to the relevant section and stops it performing how it used to. The area treated is regarded as too "twitchy" and is thought to provoke an extreme response in asthma sufferers.

Three courses of treatment are necessary, lasting 20 minutes each. Significant reductions in asthma attacks, less breathlessness and reduced wheezing have been reported by patients following the treatment.

It has been reported that 12% of people who have needed hospital treatment for an asthma attack do not know what to do in an emergency. Astham UK can provide a written plan of action for anyone undergoing an asthma attack. Once understood and followed, this can help to reduce the fear of patients and the risk of them needing to seek hospital treatment. 1st May 2007 is World Asthma Day.

People who experience severe asthma attacks can be placed in life-threatening situations. Would you know how to help someone who is having a severe attack and unable to breathe? Why not check out ASTS's First Aid Training Courses?