Is Asthma In The Elderly A Disease Of The Peripheral Airways?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$502,437.00
Summary
Elderly asthmatics have poorer clinical outcomes compared with younger asthmatics. The reasons for this are unclear but may involve age-related changes in the disease itself. In this project we aim to show that asthma in the elderly is dominated by abnormalities of very small peripheral airways, in contrast to younger patients where the abnormalities occur in larger airways. The results will provide the basis for new and better targeted treatment strategies for asthma in the elderly.
How Do Thick Airway Walls Affect Airway Hyperresponsiveness In Asthma?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$382,538.00
Summary
Asthmatic airways narrow too easily, a characteristic called airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). To understand the cause of asthma we need to understand the cause of AHR. Thickened airway walls could amplify airway narrowing and increase AHR. However, thick airway walls are also stiff, and stiff walls could reduce narrowing and AHR. This project will examine the relationships between AHR and airway wall thickness and stiffness during and after treatment that reduces airway wall thickness.
Improving Health-related Quality Of Life In Patients Receiving Home Mechanical Ventilation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$121,793.00
Summary
Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a treatment that assists someone to breathe using a machine. People may need HMV when their breathing has failed due to conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD) or severe obesity. This project will examine the quality of life of patients receiving HMV in Australia and Canada. It will also determine if we can improve the treatment by using a sleep study to monitor breathing when patients first start HMV.