According to a study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery decreased prescription breathing medications bu 50%.
Lead author Naveen Sikka, MD said in a press release "Not only do patients breathe easier, less money is spent on prescription health care costs. Better quality of life, possible reduction of chronic breathing problems, including asthma, and lower health care costs significantly benefit patients and help to reduce the national health care crisis."
The retrospective study examined pharmacy fill rates of asthma medication using insurance data before and on year after the 320 patients had bariatric surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. While 324 prescriptions were filled before surgery, only 154 were filled one year after surgery.
According to Andrew Weinstein, MD, ACAAI Asthma and Respiratory Disease Committee vice-chair "Some obese patients develop asthma, while others are treated for breathing problems with medications typically used for asthma." "The results of this study bring us closer to determining if weight loss can improve asthma long-term."
The retrospective study examined pharmacy fill rates of asthma medication using insurance data before and on year after the 320 patients had bariatric surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. While 324 prescriptions were filled before surgery, only 154 were filled one year after surgery.
According to Andrew Weinstein, MD, ACAAI Asthma and Respiratory Disease Committee vice-chair "Some obese patients develop asthma, while others are treated for breathing problems with medications typically used for asthma." "The results of this study bring us closer to determining if weight loss can improve asthma long-term."
What do you think? Is bariatric surgery reasonable for your asthma? What concerns do you have? Leave a comment or go to the forum and join the discussion.
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