Comprehensive asthma study now under way

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The largest asthma research initiative ever began Sept. 18 at 19 Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ACRCs) in the United States, including one in Kansas City, according to a release from the American Lung Association of Western Missouri.|ret||ret||tab|

The American Lung Association's ACRC at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine will be researching various components of asthma during the next four years. |ret||ret||tab|

The ACRC is a partnership between the American Lung Association of Western Missouri, the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center-Hospital Hill and Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.|ret||ret||tab|

The first study involves the evaluation of whether the influenza vaccination actually causes a change in asthma symptoms. Influenza causes extra hospitalizations in people with chronic diseases, such as asthma. |ret||ret||tab|

For many years, the American Lung Association and other health authorities have recommended a flu shot each fall for asthmatics. |ret||ret||tab|

Now, many asthmatics do not get the shot because they worry that it is not safe and may actually flare up their asthma. |ret||ret||tab|

Future research over the course of the next four years will include studies on the genetic and environmental components of asthma, asthma education for patients and physicians, and investigating the various things that trigger asthma.|ret||ret||tab|

The American Lung Association of Western Missouri is providing $750,000 for funding of the ACRC as part of its $2 million "Hope is in the Air" capital campaign drive, which the agency will conduct for the next three years. |ret||ret||tab|

More than $400,000 has been raised. |ret||ret||tab|

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