Asthma and allergic diseases
The study will comprise a single visit lasting approximately 2 hours. During the visit the study participants will complete questionnaires, lung function tests, skin prick tests and have blood taken. In order to take part in the study, it is necessary to complete the questionnaires. All other tests are optional. Tests include: Height, weight and body composition; blood pressure, heart rate and pulse oximetry. Skin prick testing to a panel of inhalant and food allergens (including house dust mite, cat, dog, grass, trees, mould, milk, egg, peanut, hazelnut, walnut, Brazil nut, cashew and peach). Lung function a. Fractional Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)- a non-invasive method of evaluating airway inflammation. b. Airways Oscillometry - Airways resistance and reactance will be measured using the THORASYS tremoFlo® or similar, in accordance with department SOP. In brief, participants will be seated with their head in the neutral position. Wearing a nose-clip, participants will be instructed to firmly hold their cheeks, as to minimize the upper airway shunt artefact, and breathe tidally through the device. Measurements consist of 16 seconds recordings and the procedure will be repeated in triplicate. c. Airway resistance and static lung volumes will be measured pre and post bronchodilator, using whole body plethysmography, to assess airway calibre, total lung capacity and air trapping. This is a highly sensitive and accurate method of measuring lung function and provides essential diagnostic information. We have previously performed these tests at age 13-16 years. d. Spirometry and bronchodilator reversibility: Spirometry enables us to measure the volume and flow generated by a forced expiration and has been done at each visit since age 5 years. Flow measurements as they relate to lung volume give an indication of any flow limitation in the small airways. Measurement of spirometry before and after the administration of a bronchodilator (400µg salbutamol via a metered
Membership of MAAS Birth Cohort
Not member of MAAS birth cohort