IU Asthma Clinical Research Center

IU Asthma Clinical Research Center (ACRC)

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames the airways, narrows them and makes each breath progressively more difficult. Asthma is increasing throughout the world and we don't know why. There is no cure for asthma and we need better treatments. Asthma's impact is especially evident in children.

It is the #1 chronic disease of childhood . . .

  • It is the leading cause of missed school days.
  • One in five households have a child with asthma.
  • It is more prevalent among African-American children.
  • Every year approximately 5000 people die from asthma in the USA.

Who We Are:

The IU Asthma Clinical Research Center (ACRC) is a unique partnership of the American Lung Association of Indiana, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS).

The Indiana University School of Medicine was selected as one of 19 national sites to participate in the American Lung Association's Asthma Clinical Research Network. The mission of this research network is to improve asthma care through clinical research in diverse populations.

Our Goals

  • Improve the quality of life for asthma patients and their families
  • Find better and more effective treatment
  • Explore effective non-pharmacologic treatment options for asthma
  • Understand why asthma is increasing
  • Reduce deaths from asthma

How does the IU ACRC benefit Hoosiers?

The community benefits by...

  • Improved quality of life for Hoosiers with asthma
  • Better control of asthma symptoms
  • Less time lost at work
  • Reduced absences in school
  • Reduced medical costs by decreasing hospital visits for asthma
  • Newer treatments being brought from the research center to the patient's bedside
  • Opportunities to participate in clinical research trials, which have several benefits

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