NHALES (Natural History of Asthma With Longitudinal Environmental Sampling)
Recruiting · Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Background: \- Asthma is a serious clinical and public health problem. Researchers want to collect data to better understand how bacteria and other things in the environment can affect people's asthma.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Background: \- Asthma is a serious clinical and public health problem. Researchers want to collect data to better understand how bacteria and other things in the environment can affect people's asthma. Eligibility: \- Nonsmoking adults age 18 - 60 who have moderate to severe asthma. Design: * Participants will complete a medical history form before the first visit. * Study visits will include collecting medical history, and conducting physical exam, lung and smoking tests. Participants will give blood, urine, stool, dust, saliva, and sputum samples. * Participants will take tests that measure their breathing abilities. They will give saliva samples for DNA study. They will get kits to collect stool and dust samples at home. They will fill out surveys. * Participants will have visits every 6 months for 5 years. They can schedule sick visits, if needed, at no cost to the participant. For all visits, they will have asthma check-ups and get treatment, at no cost to the participant. * Some participants may take part in a sub-study that includes one 4-hour visit. They will have medical history, physical exam, and lung tests. They will have urine tests to check for pregnancy and tobacco exposure. Then they will have bronchoscopy. For this, an intravenous line will be placed in an arm vein. The nose and throat will be numbed. A flexible fiber-optic tube will be inserted into their airways through the nose. Their airways will be examined and areas of their lung will be washed. A small sample of cells will be taken.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Adults age 18 to 60 who are male or female
- •Moderate to severe atopic asthma confirmed by specific lung/bronchial challenge test results (methacholine test and/or bronchodilator challenge)
- •Have asthma symptoms in the past year that fit asthma (like wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, or nighttime symptoms)
- •Live permanently within 50 miles of the CRU
- •Can fast for 6 hours before a bronchoscopy visit (for those joining the bronchoscopy part)
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Current smokers, significant second-hand smoke exposure (urine cotinine >200 ng/mL at screening), or a smoking history greater than 5 pack years
- •piCO Smokealyzer value >11 ppm
- •Certain lung or heart conditions (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, non-CF bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, unstable angina, or pulmonary hypertension)
- •Allergy or history of adverse reactions to methacholine
- •For the bronchoscopy visit: pregnancy (urine pregnancy test), bleeding disorders, major facial surgery/facial deformity, asthma flare or respiratory infection within 4 weeks of the visit, or severe persistent asthma
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–60
- ✓Have COPD (chronic lung disease) or Asthma
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Background: \- Asthma is a serious clinical and public health problem. Researchers want to collect data to better understand how bacteria and other things in the environment can affect people's asthma.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. This study may also compensate you for your time and travel — the team will tell you the amount before you join. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT02327897 · Locations: North Carolina