Christine’s new life with TLA treatment
“I have gotten a new life. I am incredibly grateful that I got to try this,” says Christine Fjeldvang in Gjerdrum.
The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association’s magazine recently published an article about Christine, who is one of the first patients in Norway to try TLA treatment (Temperature-controlled Laminar Airflow) for her allergic disease. She has had asthma and allergies since preschool and has been taking medication ever since. She was very sick and often had asthma attacks as a child, and there were days when she couldn’t be outside because of the allergy.
Christine has severe grass pollen allergy and is allergic to alder, hazel, and birch. In addition, she is allergic to fur animals and house dust mites and has several food allergies. Christine also has allergy-induced asthma and cold-induced asthma. She previously did cross-country skiing but was often plagued by respiratory infections. In junior high, she received allergy vaccination (hyposensitization) against grass pollen; however, it had little effect.
In 2021, her asthma worsened, and she became seriously ill. The doctor referred her to a new pulmonologist who had heard of TLA treatment and in turn, contacted Sigurd Binnie, Airsonett’s representative in Norway.
The effect of TLA treatment
“I am less allergic and feel I have a better immune system. My asthma has improved a lot, and I have reduced medication. I haven’t had any episodes of severe asthma. I’ve also needed fewer cortisone injections during the allergy season. My quality of life has improved. I sleep better and feel more rested. I can be active and exercise without my breathing stopping me,” says Christine.
Professor Leif Bjermer has extensive experience with TLA in Sweden and works as the head of the pulmonary department at St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim. “The TLA treatment lets filtered, clean air slowly lower down into the breathing zone, creating an allergen-free zone. When the patient can recuperate at night, they cope better during the day. Allergen levels go down, and the need for medication decreases. The treatment is positive for patients with allergic asthma and year-round allergies. I have also noticed that the treatment has had a dramatic effect on atopic dermatitis,” says Professor Leif Bjermer.
Should TLA be prescribed also in Norway?
“Yes, definitely. It is a cheaper alternative than starting with biological medications. We should use more individualized treatment, where the right treatment for the right patient is most cost-effective,” according to Professor Leif Bjermer.