ForeCAst

Many people with allergy and asthma live with pet cats.  However, it is not known for sure whether the presence of cats makes allergy or asthma symptoms worse.  This project will assess new tests to measure this.

It is being carried out by a team of researchers at The University of Manchester and will form part of a doctoral degree.

• Aged 18+
• known to be allergic to cats from previous tests
• have symptoms of allergy when in contact with cats (eg runny nose, watery eyes or asthma like symptoms)
• have mild asthma and only use a blue inhaler occasionally

First visit at either:

• Manchester Royal Infirmary CRF (M13 9NZ)
• Wythenshawe Hospital CRF (M23 9LT)

All subsequent visits take place at Wythenshawe Hospital CRF.

Schedule of visits:

• 1a: Skin prick test to assess suitability for the study (approx. 30 minutes)
• 1b: Medical history and a range of tests, including blood, breathing function and additional skin prick tests. (approx. 2 hours)
• Results from the tests in part one will determine suitability to continue participation. Part two involved a full day visit (approx. 8 hours) to a Clinical Research Facility where you will undergo a series of tests measuring your lung function and response to inhaled allergens.
• A home visit will take place the day after visit 2 to assess any symptoms you may have experienced the previous day. A number of routine breathing tests will be carried out.
• A researcher will contact you 3-5 days later to check everything is okay.

Attending up to three appointments at a Clinical Research Facility (CRF), where you will undergo several tests to measure how you respond when exposed to cat allergen.  CRF Appointments will be followed by a home visit and a telephone call.

Travel expenses to appointments at the CRF will be reimbursed.  Participants completing the first part of the study (visits 1a and 1b) will receive £20 and those completing the whole study will receive £100.

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