Asthma Research Center Studies - Accepting Patients

Asthma Research Center Studies 

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. Together, these features can cause wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. While typically more prevalent during the morning and night and in younger individuals, asthma exists with a variety of triggers and impairs the daily lives of over 25 million individuals in the United States [1].

The physiology of asthma involves the activity of multiple types of cells, including white blood cells, mast cells and macrophages. Long term treatment of the disease is commonly achieved by controlling the populations of these cell types through maintenance inhalers or antibody injections. Overall, the goal of treatment is to reduce the prevalence of asthma attacks and to diminish the need for rescue medication.

The Baker Research Center is currently accepting patients into studies for asthma control.
Those 12 and older who have suffered from asthma may be eligible to enroll in an asthma study and receive free standardized treatment.

To Qualify:

• Patient must be 12 years of age or older.
• Patients must be on a stable dose of asthma medication without the use of prednisone in the past month.
• Patients must also meet criteria for uncontrolled asthma and show lung function improvement when given albuterol.

For more information on these studies or to see if you qualify, contact Julie Anderson or Michelle Walsh at 503-534-2622.

[1] Akinbami LJ, Moorman JE, Bailey C, Zahran HS, King M, Johnson CA, et al. Trends in asthma prevalence, health care use, and mortality in the United States, 2001-2010. NCHS Data Brief. 2012 May;(94):1-8





Pollen Season Has Arrived

If you suffer from allergic rhinitis you may have already noticed the arrival of the pollen this spring. The pollen count for Oregon is based out of Eugene and is published on The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website:

https://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts.aspx

The most recent count on 4/3/14 showed tree pollen ranking high and grass low. Tree pollen was first posted in early February and grass has been posted intermittently at low counts since late March.

Allergies may be treated by avoiding the allergen trigger, taking medication to treatment symptoms and/or treatment with immunotherapy [1]. We offer immunotherapy in the forms of allergy injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy) and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy). Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is administered in the form of drops under the tongue on a daily basis.

Over-the-counter antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis and may relieve a runny nose and itchy eyes. However, if you are experiencing nasal congestion, you may need to add in an intranasal steroid spray in order to decrease the congestion. If you take Zyrtec daily, we recommend using Allertec, which is found at Costco for $15.99 for an entire year supply.

If you need an updated allergy care plan or testing to determine the type of treatment best for you, please schedule an appointment at 503 636-9011.

[1] Dykewicz MS, Fineman S, Skoner DP, et al. Diagnosis and management of rhinitis: complete guidelines of the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1998; 81:478.