Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children. There is no cure for asthma and symptoms of asthma have to be controlled by regular medication and monitoring.  Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, characterized by episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. It can be triggered by exposure to allergens which are inhaled, such as pollen.
 

Who is likely to develop Asthma?
We know that children with a family history of asthma, or allergy, are at a much higher risk of developing asthma. We also know that environmental allergens, such house dust mite, play a role in the onset of childhood asthma.
 

What is the research about?
The Global Prevention of Asthma in Children (GPAC) Study is a world-first research study hoping to prevent allergies and asthma in high-risk children.

Research shows that without medical intervention, 40% of high risk children will develop asthma by 5 years of age.

Most persistent asthma is associated with allergies that start in early childhood. If your child has had allergies from a young age, their risk of developing asthma is increased.

The GPAC Study will focus on three of the most common allergens – house dust mite, grass and cat. Tiny amounts of these allergens will be given to your child daily as drops under the tongue. The aim is to make the immune system recognize these allergens as normal, rather than over-reacting.


Who can take part in the study?
Those children who are at higher risk of developing asthma or allergies. Your child may be in the research study if he/she:

• Is aged between 18-30 months and

• Has eczema and

• Has a food allergy and

• Has a parent, brother or sister with eczema, asthma or allergies such as hay fever
   

What does the study involve?

• Giving your child drops under the tongue every day for 12 months

• 7 hospital visits during the first 12 months, followed by 6-monthly visits for the following 3 years

• Close follow-up by a pediatrician at each visit

• Allergy testing

• Lung function testing