Study on Effects of Environmental Fungal Exposure on Adults with Bronchial Asthma, ABPA, Bronchiectasis, and Healthy Adults Aged 18 to 80

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a prospective, observational study involving adults aged 18 to 80 years who have clinical diagnoses of bronchial asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis ABPA, bronchiectasis, as well as healthy individuals. The study aims to understand the effects of environmental fungal exposure on these respiratory conditions, grouping asthma patients by control status based on GINA guidelines. It records detailed baseline information including disease history, smoking, previous attacks, hospitalizations, long-term medications, and lifestyle factors like indoor humidity and pet ownership. Participants undergo various assessments at enrollment, including sputum collection with sputum induction for asthma ABPA, pulmonary function and bronchodilator tests, FeNO measurement for asthma ABPA, blood tests, and allergen detection. Environmental dust samples are taken from indoor and outdoor locations and air conditioner surfaces, with temperature, humidity, and particulate matter recorded. Advanced techniques are used to detect fungi in sputum and dust, and markers related to asthma symptoms are measured. Follow-up occurs after six months to document symptom changes, acute exacerbations, and prognosis. During the study, researchers evaluate fungal presence in respiratory samples and the environment, lung function measures, frequency and severity of exacerbations, emergency visits, hospitalizations, medication use, respiratory failure events, and quality of life scores. Questionnaires assess asthma control and bronchiectasis treatment outcomes. The study carefully monitors participant health over six months to explore how fungal exposure impacts these respiratory diseases.

Effects of Environmental Fungal Exposure on Bronchial Asthma, ABPA and Bronchiectasis