Study of Inflammatory and Physiological Profiles of Healthy and Diseased Lung
This study aims to understand lung diseases like asthma and COPD, which lead to many hospital visits each year in the UK. Even though these conditions are common, we don't fully understand how they affect the body's immune system. Researchers will collect various samples, such as blood and breathing tests, from people with lung conditions and healthy volunteers. By comparing these, they hope to identify important patterns throughout the body's breathing system. This research is vital for finding new ways to diagnose, treat, and manage lung diseases, ultimately improving the lives of those affected.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your lungs are like a complex city, and sometimes things go wrong, leading to conditions like asthma or COPD. These diseases cause a lot of suffering and lead to hundreds of thousands of hospital visits every year in the UK. Even though they're common, doctors and scientists don't fully understand *why* these diseases happen or exactly *how* they affect the body's defense system.
This study is like a detective story, trying to solve the mystery of lung diseases. Researchers will carefully collect samples from people with lung conditions (like asthma or COPD) and compare them to samples from healthy volunteers. They want to see if there are specific clues, or "immune patterns," in these samples that can tell them more about how these diseases start and progress. By understanding these patterns, we can get closer to developing better tests, treatments, and possibly even cures.
Ultimately, the goal is to improve the lives of people living with lung diseases. By gaining a deeper understanding of these conditions, doctors can make more informed decisions about care, and scientists can work towards new and more effective ways to help patients breathe easier.
Key takeaways
- Aims to understand lung diseases like asthma and COPD better.
- Compares samples from people with lung conditions and healthy volunteers.
- No new medication involved; it's an observational study.
- Involves various tests like breathing tests, blood, and nasal samples.
- Optional procedures include a bronchoscopy.
- Insights gained could help future patients with lung disease.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. If you have been diagnosed with a lung condition like asthma or COPD, or if your doctor suspects you might have one, you could be eligible.
They are also looking for healthy volunteers who are around the same age, don't have any major illnesses, and consider themselves generally well.
However, some conditions would mean you couldn't join. For example, if you have certain infections like HIV or hepatitis, have had surgery very recently, are pregnant, or have conditions that would make it difficult to collect samples or safely complete the study, you wouldn't be able to take part. You also need to be able to read and write in English and provide your consent to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a known lung condition (like asthma or COPD) or are you in good general health?
- Are you able to speak, read, and write in English?
- Do you currently have any serious infections like HIV or Hepatitis B/C?
- Have you had any major surgery in the last 6 weeks?
- Are you currently pregnant?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to come to research visits at King's College London or Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. For most, these visits will happen yearly, but you might also be asked to come in if your treatment changes or if your lung condition suddenly gets worse.
During these visits, you'll fill out some questionnaires about your health, and have some breathing tests (like blowing into a machine). They might also collect samples of your spit, or take gentle swabs or rinses from your nose. You could also be asked to breathe into a device to collect a sample of your breath, and have some blood taken – usually less than six tablespoons.
There are also some optional procedures. These include a bronchoscopy, which involves a tiny, flexible camera being passed into your lungs to collect small samples. These optional procedures might also be repeated once a year or if there are important changes in your health. The total duration of your participation could be several years, with yearly visits and additional visits as needed.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is COPD?
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe, often caused by long-term exposure to harmful gases or particles, most often from smoking.
What does 'immunopathology' mean?
It means studying how the body's immune system (its internal defense mechanism) is involved in causing or contributing to a disease.
Will I have to take new medicine?
No, this is an 'observational' study. You won't be given any new medications or treatments. The study is about collecting information and samples, not about trying out new drugs.
What is a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a medical procedure where a very thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is gently passed into your nose or mouth, down your windpipe, and into your lungs to look at your airways and collect small samples if needed.
Where will the study take place?
All study visits will happen at King's College London or Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London.
How to find out more
Gillian Radcliffe, MRes
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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