Asthma sufferers have been given new hope for improved treatment with a new procedure at Royal Brompton Hospital.
The trailblazing therapy, targeted lung denervation (TLD), has shown excellent results for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Now, the RELIEF-1 trial is investigating whether those with asthma can benefit too.
Professor Pallav Shah, consultant respiratory physician, said: "In the worldwide studies of TLD for COPD, about 70 per cent of patients who have undergone the procedure have seen an improvement in lung capacity, breathlessness and quality of life. 
"We're now looking at whether this treatment can also help those with severe asthma. Both these lung conditions are triggered in the same way."
TLD works by using heat energy, in the form of radiofrequency waves, to destroy branches of the vagus nerve that are no longer working properly. This prevents the faulty nerve branches from sending messages which cause muscles to tighten and produce mucus.
"In the worldwide studies of TLD for COPD, about 70 per cent of patients who have undergone the procedure have seen an improvement in lung capacity, breathlessness and quality of life."
Professor Pallav Shah
Professor Shah said: "We are aware the tiny branches of the vagus nerve - which stretches from the brain, down the windpipe and into the lungs and are wrapped around the outside of the lungs' airways - worsen the effects of the condition.
"This is because the nerves cause the muscles that line the airway to becomes overactive, rather than moving smoothly as they do in those without the disease. This combines with the excessive production of mucus that coats the airways from the effects of chronic smoking, makes them narrower and more irritated.
"This constriction means the air cannot flow in and out so easily, so those with COPD are left short of breath and often suffering from a persistent cough, wheezing and a tight chest."
Professor Shah said the results with COPD are very promising and the team at Royal Brompton hopes to see similar results when TLD is used with asthma patients.
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