An initial study has been launched at the David Hide Asthma & Allergy Centre at St Mary’s Hospital to look into the effects of air pollution and allergen exposures on asthma and whether using Dyson air purifiers could provide improvements for asthma patients.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases. It causes cough and breathing difficulty due to narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Indoor air may contain harmful substances produced by cooking, smoking and other activities such as particulate matter and toxic gases. In addition, indoor air contains numerous potential allergens driving allergic responses in vulnerable people. Furthermore, pollution produced outdoors by road traffic and industry and outdoor allergens can also enter the home. Such exposures are well recognised as triggers that can worsen people’s asthma.
The David Hide Asthma & Allergy study team at St Mary’s hospital is now looking for people with asthma to take part in this study. It will involve 50 participants whose asthma is not optimally controlled on current treatment.
Everyone who takes part will be provided with 2 Dyson air purifiers, 1 for the bedroom and another for the living room. Half of the volunteers will be given active devices and half will have placebo (dummy) devices. All patients will be assessed with allergy tests and lung function tests and their asthma monitored frequently during the study. After 6 months all patients will be provided with the active filter in an open extension to the study for another 6 months.
Professor Hasan Arshad, a consultant at St Mary’s Hospital and chief investigator of the study said:
“Improved air quality with lower levels of allergens and pollutants could improve the health of individuals with asthma. Therefore, a feasible and practical intervention such as a Dyson air purifier, that can reduce allergens and pollutant levels in the indoor air, might reduce asthma symptoms and improve control.”
To take part please call Susy Grevatt or Kaisha Bennett on 01983 552147, 01983 530786 or 01983 534113. You can also text 07710229794 or email [email protected].
This is so true by spending the worst pollen months by the sea my breathing tests were amazing when I did them at the above Clinic with Professor Hasan Arshad , good luck to everyone taking part !