Perth man’s asthma transformed by clinical trial

Josh J. has lived with asthma since he was a child. By his early thirties, it was stopping him from doing everyday things most people take for granted.

“Over the last two to four years, my asthma became much worse, with everyday triggers causing frequent flare-ups that affected my health and quality of life,” the 34-year-old said

Before joining the TTOCS (Minimising Oral CorticoSteroid Use in Asthma using Treatable Traits) clinical trial at the Institute for Respiratory Health, Josh’s asthma was unpredictable and difficult to manage.

“I had frequent flare-ups, had to be very careful about my triggers, and it often stopped me from doing everyday activities. It had a big impact on my confidence and my day-to-day life.”

Josh J., TTOCS trial participant

Josh was referred to the trial by the respiratory team at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, a move that would change the way he understood and managed his condition.

The TTOCS trial, led by Professor John Blakey and run by the Institute for Respiratory Health Clinical Trials Unit in Perth, tests a personalised approach to asthma care called the Treatable Traits Model.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the research team examines the individual factors affecting each person’s asthma, such as inhaler technique, lung inflammation, breathing patterns, and other conditions that can make asthma harder to control.

For Josh, the team reviewed his medications, provided guidance on managing his asthma and retrained him on the correct way to use his inhaler.

“They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I understood why the changes were being made,” he said.

The results surprised him.

“The biggest surprise was just how much I improved with the guidance and support the team provided. I didn’t realise how much of a difference the right education, treatment plan and ongoing support could make.”

Today, Josh’s asthma is much better controlled.

“I can do a lot more than I could before, and I feel more confident managing my condition. I’m able to participate in more daily activities without constantly worrying about having an asthma flare-up.”

For others considering the trial, Josh’s message is clear.

“I’d absolutely encourage them to do it. Not only could it improve your own health and quality of life, but you’re also contributing to research that could help other people living with asthma who may not have the same opportunities or access to these kinds of treatments in the future.”

“Asthma leads to hundreds of thousands of urgent GP visits and hospital attendances each year. Both uncontrolled asthma and its rescue treatment (tablet steroids) lead to long-term harm,” Professor Blakey said.

“However, we have excellent treatments that work extremely well if they are matched to the type of asthma someone has. Studies like TTOCS investigate the best way of ensuring people with asthma get the right treatment at the right time for them.”

The TTOCS trial is currently recruiting adults aged 18 and over in Western Australia who have been diagnosed with asthma and have taken corticosteroid tablets such as prednisone or prednisolone in the past two years.

Trial participants will not incur any out-of-pocket costs. Medical, nursing, and allied health appointments as part of the trial are free, and some medicines will be provided.

To find out if you are eligible, contact the Institute for Respiratory Health Clinical Trials Unit on (08) 6151 0888 or email clinicaltrials@resphealth.uwa.edu.au.