Analysis of Fel d 1-specific T Cells After Airway Allergen Challenge in Asthma
Allergic AsthmaCat allergies are a major trigger of asthma. Therapies are being developed to control the allergic response to cats. We are interested in measuring a type of white blood cell which is linked to cat allergies, which will help us understand how to use new therapies in people who suffer from cat allergies and asthma. We will study cat-allergic individuals with stable, mild asthma who will be exposed to cat allergens. We will measure various white blood cells, including the cells that are linked to cat allergies, to determine whether the number of these cells changes following cat exposure. These cells will be measured from the blood and bone marrow by removing samples using a needle. These cells will also be measured from the lungs by inserting a bronchoscope into the airways and drawing up fluid containing cells. This study will improve our understanding of the harmful versus protective role of these cat-specific cells, and will allow for development of better drugs for treatment of asthma triggered by cat exposure.
The Severity of Newly Diagnosed Asthma Patients and the Result of Initial 12 Weeks Treatment in...
AsthmaThe primary objective of the NIS is to evaluate the severity of newly diagnosed asthma patients based on Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) severity category (GINA 2006 update).
AssessmenT of smalL Airways involvemeNT In aSthma (ATLANTIS)
AsthmaMultinational, multicentre, non-pharmacological intervention, cross-sectional and longitudinal study.
Prevalence and Reversibility of Lung Hyperinflation in Asthma
AsthmaThe aim of this observational study is to evaluate the pulmonary hyperinflation and its immediate reversibility to a short acting beta2 agonist test in uncontrolled persistent asthmatic patients with dyspnea.
The Significance of Ambrosia in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in Israel
Allergic RhinitisAsthma2 moreAmbrosia is known for its allergenicity in the USA causing hay fever and asthma. Israel has always been considered "clean" of Ambrosia but over the past years growth of Ambrosia plants has been detected in several locations in Israel. In the proposed study, patients referred for routine allergic evaluation will also be skin tested with Ambrosia allergens, in addition to their regular prick skin tests with all other airborne allergens.
Identification of Molecular Biomarkers to Stratify Patients With Refractory Asthma
AsthmaThe purpose of this study is to learn more about asthma in people who are not well-controlled with current asthma medication (refractory asthma). The investigators will compare data from refractory asthmatic patients here at National Jewish Health to mild asthmatics subjects and to people without asthma. Study experiments involve looking at samples from all 3 groups and comparing them at a molecular level. These laboratory experiments may help identify subtypes of refractory asthmatics that require different treatments.
Contraceptive Use and Respiratory Conditions Among Scottish Women
AsthmaStudies examining the sex differences in the epidemiology and morbidity patterns of asthma show that the rates of disease severity, healthcare utilisation, and poor quality of life are considerably higher in women than in men, and this has been attributed to endogenous and exogenous sex hormonal factors. Studies examining the impact of use of hormonal contraceptives on the risk of asthma and asthma-related conditions are few, yet findings are conflicting. In the present study, the investigators utilize data from the Scottish Health Survey, a national representative sample, to investigate the associations between current use of hormonal contraceptives and the prevalence of self-reported doctor-diagnosed current asthma and wheezing symptoms in Scottish women. The investigators hypothesize that while current use of any hormonal contraceptives and combined oral pills are associated with higher prevalence of asthma and asthma outcomes, current use of progesterone-only contraceptives is not associated with asthma. A secondary aim of the current study is to examine whether there is evidence of any biological interaction between use of hormonal contraceptives and BMI in relation to the risk of asthma and asthma outcomes.
Diagnosis of Exercise-induced Bronchospasm (EIB) and Asthma in National Collegiate Athletic Association...
Exercise Induced BronchospasmAsthmaWe hypothesize that exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) at the NCAA Division I collegiate level is over diagnosed, while poorly controlled asthma resulting in exercise-related symptoms in this same population may be under diagnosed, being erroneously attributed to EIB. This project will test individuals self-identified as having exercise induced bronchospasm or asthma, as well as gender-matched controls from the same sport, with eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation to assess for the presence of EIB or asthma. By making the correct diagnosis, improved health outcomes may be achieved and athletic performance may be enhanced.
Asthma Control Among Patients Receiving Inhaled Corticosteroids in Thailand
AsthmaThe purpose of this study is to determine the percentage of patients who has reached the GINA guideline of asthma treatment after receiving any inhaled corticosteroid for 3 months or longer in actual clinical practice. Such percentage for each level of severity - mild, moderate and severe persistent asthma as well as the differences of these rates will also be explored.
Delta Primary Care Provider (PCP) Survey on Asthma Management
AsthmaThe proposed study will utilize a survey format to examine the attitudes, perceptions, and practices of primary care providers in the Delta region of Arkansas.