People with asthma can experience breathing difficulties for two reasons. The first is that tubes to the lungs become narrowed and swollen – this is treated using inhalers. The second reason is that the muscles around the lungs are not working properly. For example, the diaphragm is a big flat muscle under the lungs (see image). If this muscle isn’t working properly, then it limits air flow into the lungs, leading to feelings of breathlessness. The aim of this study is to develop and test a new treatment for people with asthma which will enable them to improve the way the muscles around their lungs work.
The new treatment will teach patients how to how to stand, move and breathe with less muscle tension. It will also teach patients to reduce stress and negative thoughts associated with breathing difficulties. Once people learn to breathe with less muscle tension, it can make breathing easier and may reduce symptoms of breathlessness during daily activities.
This study could be for you if you have asthma but continue to experienced breathlessness, despite taking medication. If you are interested in taking part, please read the participant information sheet (add link). After reading this sheet, if you are still interested in taking part then follow the link below to an online form. This form will ask you more questions about you and your breathing which the researchers will use to understand if you would be suitable. All information provided through the form in treated strictly confidential and you will hear back within 1 week from the research team.
Please follow this link to the online form (add link). If you would prefer to speak to one of the reserach team instead of completing the online form, then please ring *** on **** or email us at explaining that you would like someone to ring you back about the BREATH study.
This study will open recruitment in June 2025.
