Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world.
The symptoms of allergies and asthma can be life-threatening. That is why more research is needed to better understand the reasons behind why some people develop allergies and asthma, to then inform better treatments and prevention for these chronic diseases.
Asthma and Allergies Support
Investigating a new therapy for severe asthma which targets the immune cells in the lung responsible for the inflammation experienced in asthma.
Researcher
Dr Gokhan Cildir has identified a protein in a specific subset of immune cells which, when activated using a specially designed tool, could target these cells in the lung responsible for the inflammation experienced in asthma.
Analysing the genetic makeup of upper airway tissues to help match therapies to patients that treat the underlying cause of their airway disease such as asthma.
Researcher
Associate Professor Damon Tumes hopes that this approach will result in a cure in a substantial number of patients.
Undertaking a clinical trial to determine whether a baby’s lack of exposure to peanuts and eggs in the womb and via breastmilk increases their chances of developing an allergy to those foods.
The trial will help many local families, including Chelsea and Matt Schiller (pictured), who have a lifetime of worry ahead about their 16-month-old daughter Madison’s nut and egg allergies.
Investigating whether iHealth tools such as virtual reality videos and other technology will help teenagers with asthma better manage their condition.
Many teenagers have anxiety about their asthma treatment, so using mixed reality and holographic technologies may help!
