PACT: Methods to Identify and Treat Severe Asthma Patients

Study Purpose

Project 1: Asthma is common but some people don’t respond to traditional treatments. This could be because some asthma patients have high levels of a protein that reduces the amount of a chemical that relaxes airway muscles in their body. This can lead to the airway muscles tightening which can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. There may be drugs that can target this process, but first we must identify which patients have high levels of this protein. We are developing a practical method to do just that. Project 2: It has been shown that acid in the airway affects the body’s response to infection, increases inflammation and affects how well some common medications work. Right now, airway pH can be measured most accurately by a bronchoscopy, a procedure where a camera is inserted into the airway. Our goal is to develop an easier, non- invasive way of measuring pH that can be done in a doctor’s office. This will allow us to use targeted, personalized medicine to treat patients.

Who Can Participate

Participants between 18 and 50 years of age with asthma with no recent flares, have had no recent change in medication and are available for 3-4 clinic visits over a 4-6 week period.