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New device filters air while asthmatics sleep

Asthma sufferers could soon be able to alleviate their symptoms as they lie in bed at night, thanks to a new device.

The temperature controlled laminar airflow treatment (TLA) delivers a slightly cooled airflow to the individual's breathing area as they sleep, displacing warmer air in the first place.

This also helps remove potential irritants such as pet hairs and dust mites, therefore eliminating abnormal immune responses that create allergic reactions.

Research published online in Thorax also claimed that the symptoms of asthma are greatly improved during the day as a result of using the TLA in the evening.

"The reason that nocturnal TLA is successful where so many other approaches have failed may be the profound reduction in inhaled aeroallergen exposure, which this treatment achieves," study authors explained.

They also referred to other research showing that night-time allergen exposure has the largest impact on the severity of symptoms, mainly due to hormone levels and the responsiveness of the immune system.

Posted by Michael Ewing