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CPAP for Asthma
– Reported March 06, 2014
More than 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. Steroids, inhalers, and pills are some of the main methods used to control symptoms. However, soon there may be a new way thats not a drug, but a device that has been successful for sleep disorders.
College professor Kurt Stoecker spends many late nights grading papers, but some nights his asthma gets the best of him.
Sometimes I cant sleep. Its like tightness in my chest that causes me to cough, Stoecker told Ivanhoe.
He was diagnosed with asthma at age 16. Hes taken steroids and inhalers, but now hes trying something new.
As part of a clinical trial, doctors are testing whether treatment with a CPAP machine will improve symptoms in asthma patients by making their airways less reactive.
At nighttime, their muscles that are around their windpipes are not being allowed to relax. In essence, theyre working almost 24 hours a day, Mario Castro, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo., told Ivanhoe.
The CPAP pushes gentle air down the windpipe, forcing the muscles to relax. Its typically used for patients with sleep apnea, but doctors say it could be the first drug-free option for asthma patients.
In the 12-week study, patients used the device for at least four hours a day and there were no serious side effects. However, Dr. Castro says there could be an uncomfortable mask fit and interference with sleep. Less likely side effects include drying of nasal passages, mouth, or throat.
The most exciting thing is that its not a drug. This is a device, Dr. Castro said.
Stoecker can watch TV while his CPAP goes to work.
I dont even notice it, honestly, Stoecker said.
He hopes the simple mask could one day be all he needs to keep his asthma under control.
Doctors say the hope is patients will only need to use the CPAP for a period of timenot indefinitelyto see results. Doctors think the effect is in a matter of days.
Researchers at 19 sites across the country are still recruiting patients for this clinical trial, which is sponsored by the American Lung Association. For more information on how to enroll, go to www.lung.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Judy Martin
Director of Media Relations
Washington University School of Medicine
(314) 286-0105
[email protected]
