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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Respiratory medication prescriptions before and after bariatric surgery
Naveen Sikka1, Ganesa Wegienka, Suzanne Havstad
1Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA. naveen_sikka@yahoo.com
Summary
Bariatric surgery significantly reduces respiratory medication use. This weight loss surgery may offer a secondary benefit of improved respiratory health and fewer symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Bariatric Surgery
- Health Outcomes
Background:
- Increased body mass index (BMI) is linked to asthma and respiratory issues.
- Bariatric surgery leads to significant weight loss and often improves respiratory status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if bariatric surgery reduces respiratory symptoms.
- Assessed by analyzing prescription drug claims for respiratory medications post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 320 patients.
- Analyzed health maintenance organization claims data for 1 year pre- and 1 year post-bariatric surgery.
- Compared filled prescriptions for bronchodilators, inhaled/oral corticosteroids, theophylline, and leukotriene antagonists.
Main Results:
- Total respiratory medication prescriptions decreased by 49% post-surgery.
- Asthma patients (n=40) showed a significant reduction in annual prescription fills (7.0 to 3.8, P=.002).
- Only 43.1% of patients refilled prescriptions after surgery compared to before.
Conclusions:
- Bariatric surgery leads to a significant decrease in respiratory medication use.
- Improved respiratory symptoms and reduced medication reliance may be secondary benefits of bariatric surgery.
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