Asthma is a condition that can’t be cured, but can be controlled in the long term, and this means it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying life as much as non-sufferers. However, there are precautions that you’ll need to take in your everyday life, and if you decide to join a clinical trial then there are things that will need to be into consideration.
Some clinical trials are able to accept participants with asthma, and some are set up specifically to research the condition, so it’s just a case of finding the right trial to suit you. Here are some things to consider when joining up, and how to ensure that you stay well.
Speak to the team
There are many different levels of asthma, from mild to severe, and it’s essential that the team running the trial know what your condition involves. They will ask many questions when you sign up for the trial, and will want to know details such as:
• When you were diagnosed
• How often you need medication
• The names of medications you have been on
• How severe your condition is
• Any precautions they may need to take
Clinical trials can involve all sorts of things, from trying new medications, to doing some exercise in a controlled environment, and therefore you need to be honest with the team to ensure that your participation will be safe.
Look for specific asthma trials
Having asthma could exclude you from many trials, but it can also open up plenty of opportunities for you to participate in paid clinical trials in the UK. Look out for trials that specify that they want people with asthma, and your chances of getting accepted will be much higher. Some trials will want people who suffer from asthma but are otherwise healthy, whereas some will want participants who have asthma and a secondary illness, so either way you are bound to find a trial that you could fit into.
Self care
If you are on regular medication then you’ll need to stick to it, and therefore you need to be sure that any clinical trials will fit into your schedule. You should also find out exactly what the trial will involve, and ensure that it won’t trigger asthma attacks or other problems. Nobody knows your body better than you, and therefore if there’s anything in the description that might not work for you, then you should bring it up with the people running the trial before it begins.
Previous medications
Some patients with asthma will spend a long time trying to find the right combination of inhalers and medication to suit them, and this means that you may have a long medical history. You may be asked to get a copy of your medical records, and will need to know the names of your medication that you have been on. If you have had bad reactions or side effects, then you will need to know what has caused them, and this will help your clinical trials team to ensure that you don’t take anything that could harm you.
There are lots of reasons why participating in a clinical trial could be good for you, and without people to help out a lot of important research simply wouldn’t be done. It can be daunting to join a trial if you have an existing condition, but sometimes suffering from something like asthma can make it easier to find a trial, and your condition could help doctors to come up with new treatments. Clinical trials don’t take much effort on your part, but they could help people in the future who are living with asthma, and that can feel very rewarding to be a part of.
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Marin – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net
