New hope for asthma sufferers
A new research program is giving patients the chance to curb their asthma once and for all.
For half of Australia's asthmatics, whose attacks are not triggered solely by allergens like pollen, a long-awaited pill preventing attacks could make puffers a thing of the past.
Non allergy-based asthma is more common among Australians over the age of 65, for whom an attack is more likely to have serious consequences.
The theory behind the latest research is that asthma patients have an ongoing infection in their lungs, causing the inflammation and closing of the airways.
A new trial, treating them with ordinary antibiotics, is achieving remarkable results.
Many people who have participated in the study say their asthma improved, with significant and long-term benefits.
So far, 370 people have participated in the trial but the team at the Woolcock Institute need more Australian asthmatics to get involved.
“We're so close but not quite there yet, and we need another 55 people to reach that target,” said Professor Peter Gibson.
“Get onto it, because if you can get rid of that asthma, you're going to be a lot better carrying through,” patient Ned Murray said.
If you'd like to take part in the trial, you can visit www.woolcock.org.au for more information or contact the following institutes:
Perth (Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital) 08 93464737
Adelaide(Royal Adelaide Hospital) 08 8222 4351
Brisbane (Chermside- The Prince Charles Hospital) 07 3139 4627
Brisbane (Woolloongabba- Princess Alexandra Hospital) 07 3443 7129
Liverpool (Liverpool Hospital) 02 8738 4084
Concord (Concord Hospital) 02 9767 5483
Newcastle (Head Office) 02 4042 0135
For a full list of participating sites, send an email to amazes@newcastle.edu.au.
