The AAFP National Research Network, or AAFP NRN, is seeking to recruit as many as 20 family medicine practices for a study that will compare the effectiveness of two different bronchodilating agents each in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, or ICSs in delaying the time to exacerbation in black patients with asthma.
Compared with other racial and ethnic groups, blacks with
asthma have been shown to have poorer control of their asthma. "This study is designed to better understand what may be a differential impact of asthma therapies between blacks and non-blacks, allowing us to better tailor asthma therapies."
Patients will be paid for their year-long participation in the study.
The Olmsted Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital Asthma Research Center in Boston, and Harvard Medical School are collaborating in the study, which is funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Researchers have proved that a single “master switch” enzyme, known as aldose reductase, is key in producing excess mucous that clogs the airways of people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using cell culture and laboratory mouse experiments, the researchers showed that the enzyme, aldose reductase, is essential to a process known as goblet cell metaplasia that is seen in both asthma and COPD. Healthy individuals’ lungs contain very few goblet cells, but patients who die from asthma an estimated 5,000 people annually have significantly higher numbers of these cells.
According to Srivastava, aldose reductase inhibitors have a number of potential advantages over current therapies for asthma and COPD.
The next step, Srivastava said, is clinical trials of the drugs as a therapy for asthma and COPD a process that should be expedited since aldose reductase inhibitors have already undergone Phase III clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy.
Asthma is a big problem for both children and adults in the Mid-South. Memphis ranks among the worst cities to live with asthma. Asthma can be controlled. Tobacco smoke, air pollution, cockroaches, mold and pollen are big triggers for asthma. Some medicines and food preservatives can also trigger asthma.
Asthma increases absenteeism from schools and work. Asthma limits daily activities and exercise for many patients.
Asthma interrupts sleep and creates chest discomfort. It increases anxiety and stress for people who have asthma attacks.
Asthma problems are common, despite the high level of health insurance coverage for children in the Mid-South.
Many asthma patients have poorly controlled asthma because they don't follow their doctors' recommendations. Asthma problems often occur in the fall. Asthma patients should use a long-acting "controller" inhaler to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.
If you have asthma, manage it daily. Don't ignore mild asthma symptoms. Get regular checkups for asthma. Help coordinate the efforts of your primary care doctor and your asthma specialist.
Eliminate asthma triggers for yourself or your family members who have asthma. Control humidity, dust, animal dander and mold.
