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The RADicA research clinic is at Wythenshawe hospital. It is a rapid access outpatient clinic run by specialist lung doctors. The aim of the clinic is to find out the best way to diagnose asthma.
Unfortunately, there is no single test to diagnose asthma. Doctors use different breathing tests. It is unclear which one of these is best. Because it can be difficult to diagnose asthma, some people may be given long-term treatment they do not need, whilst others are not given treatment that they do need. We want to improve the way asthma is diagnosed, by understanding how to use the routine breathing tests in a better way. We also hope to develop new/better breathing tests to diagnose asthma.
In the RADicA clinic we investigate people with asthma-like symptoms (such as cough, wheeze, breathlessness or chest tightness), we carry out some breathing tests (both routine and new) and start an inhaler to help with the symptoms (a reliever). Participants are then taught how to measure their lung function at home for two weeks. After all the breathing tests and home measurements are complete we will start some asthma treatment (a preventer). After a few weeks of this treatment, we will repeat the breathing tests, and look for improvements both in the tests and in symptoms. The results of the study will be used to improve the way doctors diagnose asthma.
Wythenshawe Hospital
Southmoor Road
M23 9LT