Trial tests combined asthma inhaler for children

A new trial at Sheffield Children's Hospital will test whether a combined inhaler can better control asthma symptoms and attacks in youngsters.

The study, which focuses on children aged six to 11, will assess whether a combination inhaler works more effectively than the current treatment of separate reliever and preventative inhalers.

Combination inhalers are already widely used for teenagers and adults, but the trial will determine if younger children could benefit too, the hospital trust said.

The hospital is looking for volunteers aged between six and 11 to take part in the study.

Lauren Bishop, a clinical research nurse at the hospital, explained: "The standard treatment sees children having either a reliever inhaler, or two devices when you add a preventative inhaler.

"The combined one contains both medications."

Katie Simmons, a parent from Sheffield whose two sons are taking part in the study, said: "When they were younger it did mean sometimes they had to go to the hospital for extra treatment until they were well enough to come home again."

Ms Simmons, who also has asthma, said she hoped the combination inhaler would be a "good control" so children did not have to stop doing activities "because of breathlessness and wheezing".

Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma and Lung UK, welcomed the trial.

"Two million children in the UK live with asthma," she said.

"Well-managed asthma should mean no symptoms, but poor control can have a huge impact.

"We're pleased a combination inhaler is now licensed for ages six to 11 and look forward to the results."

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust said taking part in the trial would involve two in-person visits to the children's hospital and two virtual appointments over the course of one year.

It urged anyone with additional questions to get in touch.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North