The discoveries that have set our research apart primarily relate to the factors early in life that cause life-long respiratory problems.
The immune system
Our seminal observations regarding the development of the immune system, for example, have explained how an allergic predisposition and environmental exposures, such as viral infections and pollution, interact to initiate asthma. We have discovered that the genetic switch that stops the immune system over-reacting to these environmental factors is switched off in children with asthma and allergy. As a result, research around the world is now focussing on ways to switch on the protective mechanism in children who are at high risk of developing asthma and hay fever.
World-first early surveillance program
Our researchers have also discovered that lung damage in cystic fibrosis (CF) occurs much earlier than previously suspected, and we have established a world-first early surveillance program (AREST CF) for babies and infants diagnosed with CF to track lung damage in the first year of life.
The research shows that treatments which prevent or slow the progression of lung damage have the potential to extend a patient's life expectancy and vastly improve their quality of life.
Respiratory consequences of preterm birth
Meanwhile, findings from our research into the respiratory consequences of preterm birth are aiding the development of therapeutic approaches to limit long-term lung damage in those born prematurely. This includes a trial of inhaled corticosteroids, typically used to treat asthma, to stop the progression of respiratory conditions.
In other research, we have examined the barriers that stop families seeking health care for children with chronic moist ‘wet’ cough, which is particularly prevalent in Aboriginal children, leading to the development of culturally-appropriate strategies to enable more timely care. If left untreated, this low-grade bacterial infection will lead to permanent lung damage that will shorten the life-expectancy of these children.
Imaging of the respiratory system
Many of the unique insights that we have gained into respiratory diseases in children have come from developments in the imaging of the respiratory system, and respiratory function assessments that provide accurate information about the structure and function of the lungs in very young children. Such discoveries have been implemented around the world to help children with respiratory diseases. Crucially, they have led to clinical trials of new drugs in very young children who had previously been excluded because there were no means to determine their responses to such therapies.