Asthma Management In Pregnancy: Evaluating Costs, Benefits And Behaviours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$319,157.00
Summary
Asthma is the most common complication to affect pregnancy and it worsens with pregnancy contributing to an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality for the baby. We think we can improve the health of the pregnant, asthmatic mothers and prevent a poor outcome for the baby by empowering asthmatic mothers to self manage their disease through education in an antenatal setting. We will assess whether antenatal asthma education and management is a cost effective approach to managing this diseas ....Asthma is the most common complication to affect pregnancy and it worsens with pregnancy contributing to an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality for the baby. We think we can improve the health of the pregnant, asthmatic mothers and prevent a poor outcome for the baby by empowering asthmatic mothers to self manage their disease through education in an antenatal setting. We will assess whether antenatal asthma education and management is a cost effective approach to managing this disease during pregnancy.Read moreRead less
How The Immune Response Can Affect Influenza Virus And Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,964.00
Summary
A strong immune response is essential for protection against viral infections. However, in some circumstances a strong immune response against viruses can actually further aggravate disease. In addition, an anti-viral immune response can trigger asthma attacks in allergic individuals. This research thus seeks to understand and therefore mitigate the potentially detrimental role of inflammation in influenza virus infections and asthma.
Viral Infection And Transforming Growth Factor-beta Impair Glucocorticoid Activity In Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,299.00
Summary
Anti-inflammatory types of steroid drugs are commonly used in chronic lung disease including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, a significant number of sufferers show resistance to the steroid therapy. Our study is developing an understanding of how inflammation limits the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids and we are identifying novel therapeutic targets to improve the effectiveness of treatment of chronic disease.
While many cases of asthma are mild, severe cases require extensive health care resources and are virtually unresponsive to conventional treatment. This project will investigate whether specific compounds released from the airway are able to cause lung damage and airway abnormalities similar to that in severe asthma. We will investigate whether these changes are responsive to conventional therapy and investigate a potential treatment for regaining this responsiveness in severe asthma.