Reduce your asthma attacks

Consider bronchial thermoplasty by our experts

Does the fear of an asthma attack affect the way you live your life? Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a safe and effective FDA-approved treatment option that uses a proven medical device procedure for adults with severe or persistent asthma. Our pulmonologists in the Chicago area specialize in it and can give you the care you deserve.

Taking multiple asthma medications but are still having asthma attacks.
Adjusting your lifestyle to avoid asthma triggers.
Missing work, school or other activities because of asthma.

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How it works

BT reduces asthma attacks by reducing airway smooth muscle. With less smooth muscle, the airways constrict less, reducing asthma attacks and making breathing easier. Fewer asthma attacks means less need for the associated oral steroid treatment – and its side effects.

A healthy airway indicating a normal airway and airway smooth muscle.

An airway with asthma indicating an excess airway smooth muscle.

An airway during an asthma attack showing a constricted airway and contracted airway smooth muscle.

An airway post BT treatment showing how BT reduces asthma attacks by reducing airway smooth muscle.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of BT?

Clinical studies have proven that the BT procedure can reduce asthma attacks, emergency rooms visits and missed days of school and work for at least five years in adult patients with severe asthma. It has also been shown to improve asthma‐related quality of life for people living with the disease.

In fact, 79 percent of patients treated with BT saw a significant improvement in their asthma‐related quality of life¹.

Though most patients who receive bronchial thermoplasty report a significant reduction in asthma symptoms, the procedure is not a cure for asthma. Patients continue to take asthma medications as prescribed by their physicians.

1. Wechsler M et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 Dec;132(6):1295-302.

Is BT right for me?

Bronchial thermoplasty may be right for you if:

You have severe, persistent asthma that is not well controlled by inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilator medications.
You are 18 years of age or older.
You are not currently smoking.

Bronchial thermoplasty is not appropriate for people who:

Have a pacemaker, internal defibrillator or other implantable electronic device.
Have a known sensitivity to medications required to perform bronchoscopy, including lidocaine, atropine and benzodiazepines.
Have been previously treated with bronchial thermoplasty.
Are under 18 years old.
Are current smokers.

Where is BT performed?

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and requires three visits to complete the process. Our pulmonologists are highly trained in treating severe asthma using the BT medical device.

Are there side effects with BT?

As with any procedure, there are risks, and individual results may vary. The most common side effect of BT is temporary worsening of respiratory‐related symptoms. This side effect typically occurs within a day of the procedure and resolves within seven days on average with standard care. A very small percentage of patients (3.4 percent per procedure) may require hospitalization immediately following treatment.² Long-term, there appear to be no new symptoms or problems that develop associated with bronchial thermoplasty.

2. Castro M, et al, for the AIR2 Trial Study Group. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010;181:116-124.

Convenient location

Our pulmonologists perform bronchial thermoplasty at a location that is easy to access from across the Chicagoland area.

Oak Lawn
Advocate Christ Medical Center
4440 W. 95th St.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

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