1. It Starts Early
Asthma is a wide spread condition in children, with symptoms appearing as early as before age two. Children prone to asthma may even have eczema on their skin as infants. Children's asthma studies try to determine what kids are at the highest risk for asthma and what needs to happen to prevent or minimize asthma symptoms in high risk kids. One particular study, the PEAK Study, Prevention of Early Asthma in Kids, treated children between the ages of 2 to 4 with a medication designed to prevent the onset of asthma. Researchers observed children participating in the study for a period of one year after consecutive treatment for two years to determine if there was a significant increase in asthma free days. Fluticasone was the medication on trial and studies found that children treated consistently for two years had fewer asthma episodes than those treated with the placebo.
2. Research Gets Results
Over the last 30 years, advances in asthma research have changed the lives of millions suffering from the condition. Research discovered that asthma is an inflammatory condition, so many more people take advantage of inhaled steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs. Asthma research helps doctors come up with appropriate treatment plans. The American Lung Association has treatment guidelines and educational programs based on the most current asthma research.
3. Hair Trigger
One of the most important findings of asthma research is what triggers asthma. This deals with prevention rather than treatment and maintenance. And in asthma as in other conditions, prevention is the ultimate goal. Research lets doctors know what triggers an asthma attack in different patients. This allows doctors to educate patients on how to avoid asthma attacks all together by being aware of and staying away from their triggers. Avoiding an asthma attack helps patients have more symptom free days and lead a more normal life.
4. Get Involved
One of the best ways to help in the fight against asthma is to get involved in a clinical trial. The American Lung Association in partnership with the Asthma Clinical Research Centers holds studies regularly in a variety of areas around the nation. Contact the American Lung Association or visit their website for more information.
5. Stay Connected
Being a part of asthma clinical trials is as simple as finding the nearest ACRC, Asthma Control Research Center. These centers have a network of twenty premier asthma clinic research centers throughout the country. Getting involved means being a part of the solution for millions of asthma suffers throughout the country.
