The effect of air quality on the adult asthmatic response

Study Description:

This research is being done to learn more about what causes asthma and what makes it worse. We are interested in studying air pollutants that adults may be exposed to in their homes. Small particles (pollutants) in the air may make some people with lung diseases, such as asthma, feel worse and become sick. Most other studies have looked atoutdoor pollutants, so no one knows very much about the effects of indoor air pollutants.

We will measure the levels of pollutants in your home, ask you questions about your health, and carry out tests to see if your indoor home environment affects asthma. Wewill also measure the levels of some “markers” in the blood, exhaled breath, nose and urine. Markers are proteins, vitamins, or other molecules that are present in the body. Markers may change because of how the body reacts to something, or markers may be responsible for the way the body reacts. We will also measure lung function and breathing symptoms to see how your body responds to the environment, and we will see if the food you eat affects the severity of your asthma symptoms.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for this study, you must be between the ages of 18 and 50 and have a diagnosis of asthma from your doctor. Also, you cannot have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in your lifetime. If you are currently smoking, you may not participate in this study.