Participants sought: Effects of odour on the larynx in healthy individuals

Posted on behalf of Dr Asger Sverrild (Fellow in Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Alfred Hospital) via A/Prof Menno van Zelm (Monash Immunology)

We are running a small study (Alfred Ethics 461/21) between now and Christmas 2021 looking at the effects of odour on the larynx in healthy individuals. This will help interpret abnormalities in our patients with vocal cord dysfunction - a clinically important question.

Protocol for severe asthma gains scientific tick

Severe asthma can necessitate hospitalization.
Monash-Alfred researchers have tested an improved
protocol. Image: Breathinstephen

by Anne Crawford

A Monash University study evaluating approaches to treating the most challenging asthma patients has tested and confirmed a protocol that enhances asthma outcomes and improves quality of life. Its authors hope the protocol may act as a benchmark approach for treatment elsewhere.

The study, by researchers in The Alfred Hospital and CCS’s Department of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Respiratory medicine (AIRmed) and others, sought to scientifically evaluate the structured approach to the management of ‘difficult asthma’ being used at AIRmed’s Difficult Asthma Clinic. Difficult asthma refers to the patients whose symptoms are so severe that even respiratory specialists find them hard to manage. At worst, it can be life-threatening.

Monash researchers urge more action on thunderstorm asthma

There is a confluence of meteorological and seasonal factors
in thunderstorm asthma. Harm can be minimized with alerts
and planning. Image: Better Health Channel

by Anne Crawford

Monash University researchers say there is an urgent need to highlight the physiological mechanisms underlying thunderstorm-related asthma to mitigate against an event such as last year’s catastrophic epidemic in Melbourne occurring again.

The freak asthma thunderstorm on 21 November 2016 left nine Victorians dead, caused more than 9,900 patients to present to hospitals, and overwhelmed ambulance and emergency services. It was the most lethal of its kind on record.

Thunderstorm asthma - why does it happen?

Mark Hew explains thunderstorm asthma
to ABC News Breakfast hosts Virginia
Trioli and Michael Rowland. See video

Associate Professor Mark Hew, Head of Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology at The Alfred, explains the phenomenon of  'thunderstorm asthma' and what asthmatics can do to protect themselves.

"The recent thunderstorm asthma event has raised several important questions," A/Prof Hew said.

"How did it happen? It appears that three events need to line-up to trigger thunderstorm asthma.