Ms. Donahue recalls the procedure as easy to
undergo. "I underwent three separate procedures and
I think it's awesome. My treatment by staff at St.
Joseph 's Healthcare was outstanding and I would
recommend it to other asthma sufferers."
The researchers are careful to point out that there
is no expectation that this new procedure will cure
asthma. However, as this procedure may reduce the
severity and frequency of asthma symptoms, bronchial
thermoplasty may become one of the many treatments
that are available for the management of asthma.
"As we learn more, it will be clearer just where
bronchial thermoplasty fits in the spectrum of
treatment," said Dr. Miller. "It's quite possible
that this could have long term, meaningful effect
without any significant side-effects. It could be
useful for patients with mild disease, and reduce
the amount of drugs they take or reduce the
limitations of their activities. Or it may be that
it is useful for very severe asthmatics in
preventing life-threatening attacks. So far, the
effect in these patients seems to be quite
dramatic."
Brenda Donahue agrees. "It's a huge difference. My
life is so much easier. I still use my inhaler
occasionally, but now it's only a few times a week.
I love to walk but couldn't enjoy it before the
procedure. Since the treatment, I can walk longer
and farther."
Drs.
Miller and Cox have taken the lead in these projects
in which St. Joseph 's Healthcare has been the
coordinating centre for several studies that involve
11 sites internationally. The results of the recent
studies could be ready for reporting by the fall
2005.
