Allergy Sufferers Frustrated with Medications

This patient is not alone in her search for solutions to allergy symptoms, which have become less seasonal and more year round. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease reports more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Allergies have become the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in our country. People are looking everywhere for relief. When your friends notice your runny nose, sneezing fits and your attempts to scratch your own eyes out, they usually want to help by referring you to a product or service that has helped them. Drug store sales of allergy/sinus tablets increased 17.8% for the year ended by January 22nd as stated by the Chain Drug Review (May 2006). They go on to note an annual volume of $1.1 billion in drug store sales alone in the country. While this amount of money reflects a strong trend in choices for treatment, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reported in their March survey that nearly a third (31%) of allergy patients are not satisfied with their current prescription allergy medication. The reason pointed out in the survey for these respondents being dissatisfied is that their current medication does not relieve their allergy symptoms for a long enough period of time. The survey also found that 47% of patients are taking multiple allergy prescription drugs, while 36% reported taking their prescription allergy drugs with non-prescription allergy medications. This is not only expensive, but raises some concern with health care providers about the safety of such practices. People are still looking for solutions. Let’s read on to see how our patient from Andover made out with her worrisome symptoms.

Acupuncture to the Rescue!

The main symptom that drove E.C. into our clinic was to get relief from continual pain of sinus headaches. The pressure, facial discomfort along with her drippy runny nose and itchy eyes was getting to be too much to handle. We began her treatments with a course of acupuncture, which is widely used to successfully treat such symptoms. Acupuncture’s effects as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief) and circulatory agent can be used on the tight hard-to-reach sinus membranes just as we use these qualities to help painful tight muscles. Acupuncture does not react with any medication whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter and does not have the side effects that raised concerns with our patient. The patient reported relief from sinus pressure and pain even after the first treatment with an alleviation of some of the “foggy headed” feeling she described in her initial visit. Over the next couple weeks E.C. reported no sinus headaches, less or no itchy eyes and more physical and mental energy. She began a walking regime and felt good about her progress. She described herself as 80% improved in her allergy symptoms.

Options Are a Good Thing

Working with her physician, E. C. then stopped all her allergy medications that had been prescribed and her use of over-the-counter drugs. They had experienced sufficient allergy relief and the medications may have contributed to difficult falling and staying asleep. Menopausal symptoms were becoming more noticeable and her doctor agreed to see how she felt without them. This is a good example of how we work with your existing health care providers. The patient was taking prescription medications at the time of her first visit. This is typical in our society, and we use acupuncture as an adjunct therapy. It’s safe and effective for many conditions. The first goal is to help a patient feel better, while on their medication. We help to reduce the gap in care that often exists. Patients feel better on their medications, but not good enough. As we are able to assist them with relief, there may be a choice to reduce or eliminate some or all of their medications. That is up to the patient and their doctors. In E.C.’s case she was able to work with her physician to see how she felt without her allergy medications. Let’s get back to our patient and see how this ends up.

More Customized Herbal Medicines Provide Allergy Relief and More

Perimenopausal symptoms were becoming more of an issue. She reported an increasing number of hot flashes, irregular menstruation, mood swings along with the CIFDS symptoms of unrefreshing sleep, which led to greater fatigue. Allergy symptoms were still improved and restless leg syndrome flared up with poor sleep. We decided to add Chinese herbal medicine as an adjunct therapy to her acupuncture. The combination worked well. As she began to feel consistently better, we cut back on her acupuncture visits. We found that the herbal medicine could successfully treat her allergy, menopausal, restless leg and CIFDS symptoms. She used acupuncture therapy on an as needed basis for any acute symptoms and managed the other conditions with our customized Chinese herbal medicine. Her office visits were infrequent, and we could modify her custom herbal prescription if a new symptom appeared, as was done successfully to treat her night sweats and poor sleep. With her energy level consistent and symptoms managed, our patient is free to enjoy her life and family. That’s the goal… Freedom.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most often prescribed medications for depression. Paxil and Zoloft are two examples of this type of medication. Some studies show that many people experienced few or no side effects with St. John’s wort as compared to SSRI medications.

As well as being one of the most well-researched herbs in use today, St. John’s wort also has held a position of respect in traditional natural medicine. This herb is best known for its ability to support balanced moods and general mental and emotional wellness. St. John’s wort is also known to provide emotional support during premenstrual and menstrual periods.

Green Tea and Depression

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at the effects of drinking green tea in relation to symptoms of depression. It was found that drinking at least four cups of green tea each day can result in significant reduction of symptoms.

Researchers have a theory that a component in green tea – L-theanine – helps to combat symptoms of depression. Green tea, particularly high quality tea from Japan and China, is rich with the amino acid L-theanine. Natural health care providers have known for a long time that amino acid deficiency can be a factor with depression.

The amino acid found in green tea has a calming and soothing effect and has been shown to stimulate the production alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are responsible for a relaxed, focused state of mind which is ideal for learning, problem solving or simply enjoying life.

Green tea does contain some caffeine, although at a level much less than coffee so it will not leave you feeling “wired”. In fact, its reputation for calming and focusing the mind has led to the description, “Zen in a cup.”

Natural remedies like St. John’s wort and green tea are safe and usually without side effects, although if you’re currently on prescription medications, a consultation with your health care provider is advised before starting any new herbal medicine for depression.

The FDA advises that patients of all ages suffering from depression should be monitored when starting on antidepressants. It is recommended that this monitoring should target suicidal thoughts or behaviors, worsening symptoms and unusual changes in behavior.

Some of the other uncomfortable side effects of depression medication can include headache, nausea, excessive sweating, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

Low Serotonin Levels Connected to Depression

Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps to regulate moods and is essentially responsible for positive feelings like happiness, contentment, and peace. Current brain research suggests that low serotonin levels in the brain can be a factor in depression.

Some of the most popular prescription anti-depressants (Zoloft, for example) include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). SSRI drugs aim to correct the serotonin level in the brain by blocking its ability to deplete serotonin.

Natural Herbs for Depression

Natural treatment for depression can effectively avoid the side effect issue and may include such strategies as counseling, nutritional support and herbal remedies. The side effects accompanying those natural treatments are few, if experienced at all.

Rather than attempting to block the depletion of serotonin in the brain, as in the case of SSRI antidepressants, natural remedies encourage the production of serotonin and normal brain function, which in turn helps stabilize emotions, reduce stress and encourage feelings of well-being.

St. John’s wort is a natural alternative to SSRI prescription medications and has been used successfully for centuries as a natural depression medication. In clinical studies of St. John’s wort, volunteers experienced a significant reduction in side effects compared to when taking SSRI and tricyclic anti-depressants.

Choose Quality Natural Medicine for Depression for Best Results

The quality of herbal and natural remedies can vary widely from company to company. With herbs, the type of processing and manufacturing used has a direct impact on the effectiveness of the end product. Some companies use harsh processing methods that can disable a good portion of the herb’s therapeutic compounds and it’s natural ability to protect against side effects.

It is absolutely vital to control chronic inflammation as much as possible with adequate treatment. The process of inflammation consists of an injury to the tissues of the joint. The body recognizes this injury of tissue and responds to this stimulus. Inflammation is a desired response by the body to injured tissue in that it will go to the site and heal the tissue. The problem is chronic inflammation is the body not only tries to heal the tissue but in the process also destroys tissue. This leads to further deterioration of the hip joint increasing inflammation furthering subjective pain and potentially decreasing mobility. A decrease in motility from hip pain symptoms ultimately decreases the quality of life. Further Injury to the hip joint can be prevented by adequately treating inflammation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug’s are remarkable for having an analgesic effect close to other drugs classified as narcotics. They target the inflammation allowing for pain relief. Various routes of administration exist. Tablets and or liquids have a systemic effect [the entire body] while ointments provide a local effect [at the effected site only]. Some topical medications are absorbed locally but are distributed systemically. Anti-inflammatory ointments and creams are used to alleviate both acute and chronic hip pain symptoms.

Transdermal application allows the active ingredients in the medication to be absorbed into the skin for the same effect as oral medications. It is simply applied externally to the effected area for fast, long-lasting relief. Some ointments have an exclusive mechanism for absorption that allows the medication to penetrate into the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. This provides for optimum effectiveness in treating pain. Topical application of anti-inflammatory medication is highly desirable for those who suffer from hip pain symptoms and cannot take the oral route of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications due to other health concerns.

Those afflicted by hip pain symptoms have the choice now to start their road to recovery. Suffering from this ailment is not preventable but undesirable and it can be treated. Ointments have simple and straightforward directions to follow for application. They can easily be bought over the counter, readily available, and are fairly inexpensive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments are an excellent way to manage hip pain symptoms. Mobility and quality of life can be preserved as well if hip pain symptoms are managed adequately.

Today, medications are as varied as the symptoms. Common types of drugs used to treat fibromyalgia are pain relievers like arthritis pain relief drugs, sleep aids, tricyclic and SSRI-type antidepressants, anticonvulsants, narcolepsy drugs, gastrointestinal medications, benzodiazepines (muscle relaxers), and the list goes on and on, using this symptom-by-symptom approach.

By far, pain medications are the medications most widely requested by sufferers… in fact, it’s usually the pain that drives sufferers to get diagnosed in the first place. Arthritis pain relief medications come in prescription and non-prescription tablets and capsules, as well as topical creams, gels and patches. But fibromyalgia sufferers will tell you that for most sufferers, the over-the-counter options are not nearly strong enough.

Interestingly enough, there is not one single pain-relieving drug that has been approved by the FDA including arthritis pain relief drugs, for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain. Instead, doctors and patients alike are test subjects… patients participating in the drug-trials, and doctors keeping records and reporting results to medical forums and journals. Fortunately, even without FDA approval of pain-killers for fibromyalgia, insurance companies are accepting the word of the doctor that the prescribed pain-killer is medically necessary… and most of the standard prescription pain-relieving drugs are covered for those who have prescription drug insurance.

Common Arthritis Pain Relief Medications…

Acetaminophen – Widely used pain relief for people who can’t take other medications due to gastrointestinal issues or allergies; not usually effective for treatment of fibromyalgia except in prescription form including an opioid like codeine – side-effects with codeine may include constipation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, light-headedness, and slowed breathing; maximum daily dosage should not go over 4 grams per day – over that limit risk of liver and kidney damage increases; acetaminophen is found in other products like cold remedies – must be aware so as not to accidentally over-dose; there is presently no solid evidence confirming that opiods actually work to relieve fibromyalgia pain, and there is a risk of the patient becoming physically or psychologically dependent.

NSAIDS (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – classification of medications that includes aspirin, ibuprofen (examples Advil, Motrin), naproxen (example Aleve), and COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex) – side-effects of traditional NSAIDS include upset stomach, ulcers, blood-thinning effect (aspirin), gastrointestinal bleeding as well as heart and skin side-effects – side-effects of COX-2 inhibitors include stomach upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, and may aggravate heart problems in some individuals – some risk of liver and kidney damage with prolonged use.

Other Common Arthritis Pain Relief Analgesics – Darvon, Ultram and Vicodin are general use pain-relievers which may work for some individuals although can cause side-effects like headaches, dizziness, allergic symptoms and flu-like reactions.

Creams, Gels, Pain Patches – most available over-the-counter at local pharmacies and grocery stores, generally symptom relief is temporary but can be helpful in relieving fibromyalgia pain if no allergies develop.

In the treatment of fibromyalgia arthritis pain relief medications are just one type of drug treatment. The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, so treatments include combinations of drugs working together. The challenge for doctors and patients alike is finding the right balance of medications that relax stiff muscles, dull pain, reduce stress reactions and support healthy, restful sleep… without undesirable side-effects.

Although it can be confusing and troublesome, anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. It is normal to experience these feelings at times and in fact anxiety and panic attacks are a common issue with many people.

You can learn to cope with and even to release anxiety to a large degree and natural cures can provide gentle support while you’re learning new skills. However, if you feel like your symptoms are greater than your ability to manage by yourself, it’s important to get help.

Many professionals offer specialized help for anxiety and provide treatment support through different mediums like audio, video, books and live support. The Internet makes accessibility to this support easy and convenient. Counseling assistance can be done in groups, individually or even over the phone if necessary.

Natural cures for anxiety attacks can address your symptoms without the negative side effects sometimes associated with prescription anti-anxiety drugs. Natural cures can also be used long-term if necessary with no risk of addiction.

Passionflower is an herb that is often used for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Passionflower is a natural tranquilizer that provides support for the relaxation and rest that is necessary to recover after an attack.

In traditional medicine, the herbs lavender and lemon balm are used to ease and calm agitated feelings like stress and anxiety, and they are often used with passionflower to increase effectiveness.

Sinusitis is a condition in which there is swelling in the nasal passage and sinuses. Sinuses are located behind the cheeks and the eyes (sphenoid), in the forehead and between the eyes (ethmoid).

Upper respiratory based viral infection is usually followed by acute sinusitis. At times, pollution could trigger a sinus infection.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

The treatment of the infection is based on the location of the infection. The symptoms of sinus depend on the location of the infection. Some common symptoms of sinusitis include fever and nasal discharge. The usual treatments and sinus relief medication for sinusitis will vary depending on the location of the infection.

Here are some indicators:

o If the infection is in the forehead then you experience moderate to severe headache. You could also feel pain and pressure when you move your head to an upright position.

o If the infection is behind the cheeks then you could feel pressure and pain around your eye or in the teeth of your upper jaw. You could also feel soreness when you touch your cheekbones.

o If you have an infection between the eyes then you feel pressure in the corner of your eyes or one side of your nose. You could also experience a headache in the temple, which will increase if it is strained.

o If the infection is behind the eyes then you could experience severe headaches. Your entire head will hurt badly especially the area behind the eye. The pain in your head could worsen when you lie down or bend forward. There have been occasions where people have had an infection behind the eye and have then also complained of double vision.

Treating sinus infection

Finding a good sinus relief medication is important. A medication can be natural and contain natural ingredients and still be described as a medication if it works. Contrary to what people believe the treatment of a sinus infection is not determined by the location or the nature of infection, as the treatment for all the infections is the same.

There is sinus relief medication that can be made and would be considered a home remedy, extremely useful to treat this condition. People suffering from sinusitis get relief when the sinus is drained and the mucus is evacuated. Drinking plenty of warm fluids including warm water and hot tea will help in drainage. You can use over the counter products to drain the mucus. Ibuprofen or Tylenol, are usually recommended for pain relief.

If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis then you may need the help of a doctor to treat your condition and provide alternative sinus relief medication. Doctors usually suggest a combination of painkillers, antibiotics and decongestants to treat an infection such as this. Normally people start feeling the better within 24 hours of beginning some form of sinus relief medication. It may take up to 10 days for a complete recovery and this usually depends on the severity of the infection.

Avoid taking antihistamines with your medication as it could dry up the fluids in the nose and this could lead to an increase in blockage. Natural sinus relief medication is often more effective than prescription drugs.

The meaning of tinnitus relief should not be confused with tinnitus treatment, tinnitus remedy, or tinnitus cure. Treatment of tinnitus refers to any prescribed medication that a person has to take or any surgical procedure that a patient has to undergo. On the other hand a cure for tinnitus aims to eliminate the major causes of tinnitus and the symptoms of the ailment. Relief for tinnitus refers to the temporary elimination of tinnitus. Such temporary measures against tinnitus fall under the category of tinnitus remedy. There are some over the counter medications which can act as tinnitus remedies even if these over the counter preparations are often the known cures for other types of diseases.

One kind of remedy for tinnitus is the common anti-migraine tablet or capsule. This type of medicine can bring some temporary relief for the tinnitus symptoms which you are experiencing. Anti-migraine preparations act against the disease by reducing the amount of pressure that is circulating in your nervous system. This kind of medication will be able to fight tonal tinnitus by lessening the ringing or buzzing sound in your ear or ears. Through these anti-migraine tablets, the volume of the bleeping sounds that comes from your inner ears or ear is reduced. Try a long and hot bath when the ringing in your ear or ears becomes very unbearable. This remedy for tinnitus will provide some momentary relief.

Another kind of tinnitus remedy involves the creation of more sounds. When you open a radio, watch television, listen to music, or open the other kinds of household appliances (heater, exhaust fan, vacuum cleaner, AC unit, or faucet), the ringing in you ear or ears disappears. This type of tinnitus remedy is a very effective one because it spares you from being at risk of a possible mental disease or disorder.

The creation of more sounds, as a tinnitus relief, can save you from the effects of a prolonged exposure to the unpleasant symptoms of tinnitus because these tonal tinnitus signals can be causes of paranoia and other nervous disorders. The signs of tonal tinnitus have led to mental diseases in some cases. If the ringing in your ear or ears is making your nervous, try to avoid places, occasions, and activities which tend to place you in an isolated state. Listen to white noises (AC unit buzzes, ceiling fan whirring, sound of ocean waves, crickets, wind chimes) to combat your tinnitus symptoms. Lastly, consult with an expert for a more lasting tinnitus cure.

In fact the most effective menopause supplements recommended by health experts often include this natural herb.

A member of the legume family (which includes beans and peas), Red Clover is rich in phytoestrogens, elements occurring naturally in the plant that effectively correspond and mimic estrogen in the female body.

Moreover, studies conducted recently show that using red clover for menopause can greatly reduce or even eliminate hot flashes for many women AS WELL AS help protect you against bone loss.

The top menopause supplements recommended more often contain this natural ingredient as it can be very helpful to women who are looking for an effective natural herb for menopause symptom relief.

National Cancer Institute Study Finds More Red Clover Benefits

Studies done in Australia and by the National Cancer Institute shows that red clover contains not only one, but actually four different phytoestrogens.

Two of their studies suggested that this herb may help in the areas of lowering blood pressure by helping to thin the blood and in helping to reduce or even eliminate menopausal hot flashes.

When you’re looking for symptom relief but don’t want to take pharmaceutical drugs associated with hormone replacement therapies (HRT), then finding a good supplement that contains red clover can be very beneficial. HRT, taken long-term, has been proven to greatly increase the chances of contracting breast cancer.

Red Clover for Menopause

Traditional medicine has few options available to them when it comes to menopause symptom relief and women have been using natural herbs to successfully treat these issues for hundreds of years.

All natural herbal supplements have few, if, any, side effects and are much safer to take for menopause symptom relief than synthetic drugs.

Using an all natural herbal remedy like red clover will take away that concern for many women.

The Best Natural Herb for Menopause Symptom Relief

Studies show that as many as 70% – 85% of women will experience mild to severe symptoms during menopause.

If you find yourself suffering from insomnia, weight gain in your belly area, headaches, hot flashes and night sweats, or any of the other problems associated with menopause, you’re no doubt looking for some relief.

I suggest you choose a top menopause natural supplement that contains red clover; menopause relief can then be fast and long-lasting.

When you’re looking for a good natural herb for menopause symptoms, you should also look for one that has been produced using the highest quality ‘standardized herbal extracts’ and manufactured under strict quality control.

Other key herbs, vitamins and minerals should also be included to provide you with the optimal health benefits and to help create a type of synergy that helps to both reduce or eliminate menopausal symptoms and enhance your overall health.

Recommended Supplements for Menopause Symptoms

Remember, whenever you begin taking a new supplement, it is a good idea to check with your doctor first.

There are two types of medications that doctors prescribe to asthma patients, long-term control medications and quick relief or rescue medications. Long-term control medications are the most effective way to reduce inflammation in the airway. Long-term treatments are normally taken on a daily basis to prevent symptoms. Quick relief medications are used in flare up situations to quickly open up swollen airways. Asthma patients most commonly use inhalers because the medication goes directly to the lungs however; pill and liquid forms of asthma medications are available as well.

Long-term control medications include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta agonists, combination inhalers, theophylline, and methylxanthines. Quick relief medications include short-acting bronchodilator inhalers, anticholinergics, and oral and intravenous corticosteroids. With extrinsic asthma, allergies are a possible trigger, which is why allergy medication is used to treat allergy-induced asthma. Allergy medications include immunotherapy allergy shots, oral and nasal spray antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays. Bronchial thermoplasty is another treatment that is used in cases where asthma is severe and traditional medications are ineffective. Lastly in cases where patients have difficulty with inhalers, an asthma nebulizer should be used.

LONG-TERM CONTROL MEDICATIONS

Inhaled corticosteroids-Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred long-term control medication for people who suffer with asthma. They are most effective at relieving airway inflammation and swelling. By reducing the inflammation in the lungs it prevents the chain reaction that causes all the symptoms of an asthma attack. Taking inhaled corticosteroids daily can greatly reduce the severity of asthma, frequency and occurrence of asthma attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids are generally safe and are not habit forming. They have a lower risk of side effects than oral corticosteroids in pill or liquid form. Examples of inhaled corticosteroids include Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA, Pulmicort Flexhaler, Asmanex, Aerobid, Qvar, Vancenase, Beclovent, Nasacort, and Atolone.

Leukotriene modifiers- Leukotriene modifiers inhibit leukotriene, a chemical that promotes the body’s inflammatory response. By blocking these chemicals, leukotriene inhibitors reduce inflammation within the airways. Therefore eliminating the chain reaction, which causes asthma symptoms. Some side effects linked to leukotriene inhibitors include agitation, aggression, hallucinations, depression and suicidal thinking. Examples of leukotriene inhibitors include Singulair, Accolate, Zyflo, and Zyflo CR.

Long-acting beta agonists-Long-acting beta agonists are chemically related to adrenaline and are used to open up the airways. They keep the airways open for 12 hours or longer. However, long-acting beta agonists should not be used along. They should be used in combination with a low dose inhaled corticosteroid. Side effects include rapid heartbeat and shakiness Examples of inhaled medications include Serevent, and Foradil,

Combination inhalers-Combination inhalers include an inhaled steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator. Examples of combination inhalers include Advair Diskus and Symbicort.

Methylxanthines- Methylxanthines is a group of controller medications that is chemically related to caffeine and opens up the airways. Methylxanthines work as long-acting bronchodilators. Theophylline and aminophylline are examples of methylxanthines.

QUICK RELIEF MEDICATIONS

Short-acting beta agonists- Also known as short-acting bronchodilator inhalers, this medication is used for quick relief of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breathe. These medications dilate the airways to lessen the asthma symptoms. Examples of short acting beta agonists include Albuterol, Levalbuterol, and pirbuterol.

Anticholinergics- Anticholinergics open up the airways by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine within the central and peripheral nervous system. This is similar to the action of beta-agonists however; anticholinergics take slightly longer to take effect but last longer overall. In some instances anticholinergics and beta-agonists will be used together to produce a greater effect. The anticholinergics used for rescue asthma medication is Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent).

Oral and Intravenous Corticosteroids-Corticosteroids should be taken for short-term use only due to the increased side effects. Corticosteroids are an effective anti-inflammatory, and side effects are temporary when taken for two weeks or less otherwise they can be permanent. Prednisone and methylprednisolone are two examples of oral corticosteroids.

ALLERGY INDUCED MEDICATION

Immunotherapy- Immunotherapy is used to alter the immune system in patients who have an elevated level of immunoglobulin E, an allergy antibody. Allergy shots are generally given once a week for a few months, and then once a month after that. Omalizumab (Xolair) is one kind of immunotherapy injection.

Allergy Medication- Allergy medications include oral and nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. They work by preventing asthma related inflammation in the airways.
Cromolyn and Ipratropium are two forms of nasal sprays used as asthma medication. Cromolyn can prevent the development of an asthma attack if taken regularly however it does not help once an attack has started.

BRONCHIAL THERMOPLASTY

Bronchial thermoplasty- When inhaled corticosteroids don’t improve asthma symptoms, especially in severe cases, bronchial thermoplasty may be the next best option. Bronchial thermoplasty uses an electrode to warm the inside of the airways, which calms the smooth muscle within the lungs. This helps to inhibit inflammation in the airways, which causes asthma symptoms. Bronchial thermoplasty is not widely available since more research is needed to determine the benefits and possible side effects.