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Asthma is a common lung condition that causes symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. One in 13 Americans, or about 8% of the population, suffers from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That means more than 25 million people suffer from asthma in the U.S. alone.

Although generally thought of as a treatable disease, asthma killed 3,564 Americans in 2017, according to the CDC.

While most asthmatics feel better with standard treatments — inhalers and steroids — some patients fail to respond to therapy.

Researchers at the NIH Clinical Center want to find out why. They’re seeking adults with asthma, controlled or uncontrolled on medications, to participate in a study that may help develop new, targeted treatments for patients with severe asthma.

What the study entails

Adults between 18 and 75 years old may be eligible for the study, which will compare healthy individuals to asthmatics.

Enrolled subjects will be seen the NIH Clinical Center for a clinic visit (where researchers will record their medical history and perform a physical exam) and undergo tests such as lung function studies and a chest x-ray.

They’ll also give blood and urine samples, and they may decide to undergo additional testing. Some research participants may be asked to return at regular intervals, once or twice a year, for more tests and evaluation to assess the progress of the disease.

According to the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Amisha Barochia, “We now know that there are many subtypes of asthma, and learning more about the underlying disease pathways may help us to develop and choose better treatment options tailored to a specific patient, moving asthma care further toward a more personalized approach.”

Healthy volunteers also needed

If you don’t have asthma but still want to participate in potentially lifesaving research, you can join the “healthy volunteers” arm of the study.

As with other clinical trials, there is no cost to the research volunteers for study-related tests or procedures. Compensation is provided for participation, and travel costs may be reimbursed as per NIH policy.

To find out more about this study, or to volunteer, call the NIH Clinical Center Office of Patient Recruitment at 1-800-411-1222. You can also visit www.cc.nih.gov/recruit/protocols/13_asthma.html for more information.