Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that involves complex interactions among inflammatory cells, chemical mediators, and cells and tissues in the airways. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, dyspnea (shortness of breath), wheezing, chest tightness, and night awakenings. The main goal of asthma therapy is to decrease the inflammatory process in the lung. Secondary goals are to control symptom, prevent recurrent exacerbations, restore lung function to normal or at least close to normal, and avoid side effects from asthma medications. Currently, asthma is treated with bronchodilators, which open up the air passages in the lungs, and anti-inflammatory medicines such as corticosteroids and leukotriene inhibitors.

Did you know that one in ten people inherit the tendency to develop asthma? Common triggers for asthma attacks include viral colds, allergies, vigorous exercise, and cigarette smoke. We often study new treatments for asthma. Studies are also often done for emphysema, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and the common cold. Visit the studies page to view all of the current investigational drug studies being conducted at C.A.R.E. Clinical Research.

Find more asthma information and ongoing clinical trials for the disease across the United States at the medical links page.