Bariatric surgery reduces breathing problems, medication costs

Apr 16 2010

Another benefit of rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery is a 50 percent reduction in use of prescription breathing medications, according to a study published this month in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

"Not only do patients breathe easier, less money is spent on prescription health care costs," said Naveen Sikka, MD, lead author and ACAAI member. "Better quality of life, possible reduction of chronic breathing problems, including asthma, and lower health care costs significantly benefit patients and help to reduce the national health care crisis."

The retrospective study reviewed health records of 320 bariatric surgery patients at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, for one year before and after the procedure. Prescription medication fill rates were determined from patient prescription claims. A total of 324 prescriptions were filled before surgery as compared with 154 after surgery.

"Some obese patients develop asthma, while others are treated for breathing problems with medications typically used for asthma," said Andrew Weinstein, MD, ACAAI Asthma and Respiratory Disease Committee vice-chair. "The results of this study bring us closer to determining if weight loss can improve asthma long-term."

Source: About ACAAI