Most people living with severe asthma are also living with other health conditions, a major new study has found. Researchers analysed data from thousands of patients. They discovered the extra illnesses – which range from obesity to osteoporosis – tend to appear in clusters. They say identifying patterns could be the key to unlocking more effective treatment for those hit hardest by the condition. The study has now been published in Lancet Regional Health. It was led by

Tree bark is being tested by researchers at the University of Southampton as a new way to trace harmful air pollution in local communities. Particulate matter – tiny particles of dust too small for the eye to see – is considered to be one of the most harmful types of air pollution for our health. However, it can be difficult to measure what people are exposed to, and establish where it has come from. A new approach being trialled at the University and the NIHR Southampton Bio

Antibiotics play an essential role in healthcare, but infections resistant to them are on the rise. Antibiotic resistant infections are difficult to treat. This is because bacteria develop defences that mean they can no longer be killed with commonly used antibiotics. Overprescribing of antibiotics is one the main factors driving the rise in antibiotic resistant infections. Avoiding unnecessary prescribing and use of antibiotics will help ensure they continue to work. Nour Od

Dr Sophie Fletcher shares how the UHS Research Leaders Programme has allowed her to support other researchers and develop new collaborations.

Dr Nat Easton, a BRC Bridging Fellow, shares how she secured a parliamentary inquiry into air pollution.

Researchers at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) are leading a large study to reduce children’s overuse of reliever inhalers linked to severe asthma attacks. Children with asthma who use a high number of blue reliever inhalers are several times more likely to have severe asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening. The Prescription Alerts for Reliever Inhalers in Children (PARC) study is offering these children an enhanced check-up, led by a specialist nurse. The resea

Behind every breakthrough are people whose daily work often goes unseen - but whose impact is extraordinary. One of them is Anastasia de la Haye. She has been working at University Hospital Southampton for five years and leads the respiratory research lab. She is funded by both the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility (CRF). We sat down with her to explore what a day in her world looks like, and what advice she has for the next generation

A Southampton-led study on severe viral infections has reached its target of 1,000 participants. The UNIVERSAL study is investigating the impact of severe respiratory viruses on patients and the NHS. The study is being led by Professor Tom Wilkinson and the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU). University Hospital Southampton is the study sponsor. Understanding respiratory viruses Samples from the 1,000 participants will now be used to find out which infections are most pr

Professor Wilkinson has been appointed as the new Chair of the NIHR Respiratory Translational Research Collaboration. The NIHR Respiratory Translational Research Collaboration (R-TRC) brings together leading investigators from across the UK. It aims to speed up the delivery of new drugs for patients with respiratory conditions. Professor Wilkinson is Respiratory and Allergy theme lead at our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). He is also Professor of Respirato

Image credit: DBV Technologies New trial results show a specially designed patch could help children with peanut allergy. Hundreds of young children with a peanut allergy took part at dozens of sites for the international clinical trial, including at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). The VIASKIN® Peanut Patch is designed to help children with a peanut allergy build up a tolerance. The aim is to prevent severe reactions if they accidentally eat peanut. Topline results,

Over 900 people have taken part in a national study to help improve ways to prevent and treat respiratory infections. The UNIVERSAL study is exploring how and when patients with different respiratory viruses may progress to more serious disease. This could help develop effective antiviral treatments to combat these infections. The study is being led by Southampton’s Professor Tom Wilkinson. He is a theme lead at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. The research is

Southampton researchers have led the development of a new scoring system to guide care for people with asthma that is difficult to treat....

People whose fathers were overweight as teenagers had DNA changes associated with asthma, obesity and low lung function. A new study has...

Professor John Holloway has been named a Fellow of the European Respiratory Society (ERS). He is one of just 14 new awardees this year. ...

Three medicines used to treat children who have severe asthma attacks will be compared in a national trial. Asthma is the most common...

New data highlights major gaps in access to specialist allergy services across the UK. Findings suggest the availability of immunotherapy...

Southampton researchers have developed the first patient-centred tools to assess severe asthma treatment. Severe asthma affects around...

Southampton researchers are investigating a new way to help children and young people with asthma. Asthma affects over 330 million people...

David Mather and his wife, Iwona The first patients have been recruited to the world’s largest trial using radiotherapy to treat advanced...

Southampton researchers have discovered that some common brake pads can have a harmful effect on lung health. The new study looked at...