Introduction:

bronchial asthma is a frequent condition; it is considered a health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality rates. The lack of success of Western therapies has caused a high number of patients to turn to Traditional Medicine. The implantation of catgut in acupuncture points is one of the newest techniques applied in the treatment of this disease.

Objective:

to determine the efficacy of catgut implantation in patients with Moderate or Severe Persistent Bronchial Asthma.

Methods:

experimental and prospective intervention research in 82 patients with moderate or severe persistent bronchial asthma who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, randomly divided into two groups of equal numbers. The study group received pharmacological and acupunctural treatment, with implantation of catgut in chosen points according to the traditional diagnosis, following a monthly session from 6 to 8 months. The control group only included pharmacological treatment. The clinical evolution, therapeutic response and use of medications in both groups were compared.

Results:

in the study group the clinical evolution was favorable in 61 % of the patients, requiring up to three treatment sessions, and 75 % decreased the use of medications. The therapeutic response was good in 65,8 %. In the control group, 41,5% evolved favorably and 68,3 % increased the use of medications.

Conclusions:

it was evidenced that the implantation of catgut as an alternative therapy in moderate or severe persistent bronchial asthma is useful and shortens the treatment period, as well as reducing the use of medications.

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