Research suggests filter device can ease asthma symptoms

Temperature-controlled laminar airflow treatment (TLA), is said to deliver a constant, slightly cooled airflow in the patient’s breathing area, which displaces warmer air containing irritants and allergens, including house dust mites and pet hairs.

According to a statement from the BMJ, the aim is to stave off the abnormal immune response that triggers a systemic allergic reaction, including the airway narrowing typical of an asthma attack, by preventing the sleeper breathing in the irritants and allergens.

Researchers from European asthma clinics, who have published their findings online in the BMJ journal Thorax, base their findings on 281 non-smokers aged between seven and 70, from six European countries. All of them had poorly controlled atopic (allergic) asthma.

Of these, 189 slept with a TLA device (Protexo) just above their bed for a year with the remainder using a dummy device.

A validated score was used to assess quality of life before and after the 12-month study period, in conjunction with assessments of symptom control, lung capacity, airway inflammation, and biological indicators of a systemic allergic response.