Doctors in parts of the UK have begun treating NHS asthma patients with a breakthrough family health treatment said to "melt away" obstructive muscle in the airway.Specialists in Manchester and Glasgow would be replacing conventional drug therapies with a wire probe inserted into the lungs, which then heats the surrounding tissue.at present, the innovative family health procedure – known as bronchial thermoplasty – is not being used anywhere else in Europe.The technique uses short bursts of warming radio waves to destroy some of the muscle which constricts during an asthma attack, making it hard for the patient to breathe.Dr Rob Niven, senior lecturer in Respiratory Medicine at the University Hospital of South Manchester, said: "Bronchial thermoplasty is the first non-drug treatment for asthma and it may be a new option for patients with severe asthma who have symptoms despite use of drug therapies."Meanwhile, mums and dads across Britain are set to receive updated guidance on how much paracetamol their children should be given during illness, when more detailed dosage instructions are introduced to all packaging later this year.more about family healthPosted by Alice RoweTo become a member of Candis Club – and get a wonderful free gift while doing so, join today.

Date Posted: 08/06/2011