Defining the natural history and trajectories of preschool children with recurrent wheeze

The OBSTRUCT cohort commenced in 2019 and has recruited 126 wheezy children and 57 healthy children. Nearly 50% of preschool children worldwide experience an episode of asthma-like symptoms, but only 30% with recurrent wheeze go on to develop asthma past 6 years of age. In this study, we want to better understand the complex link between early childhood wheezing and asthma. The OBSTRUCT study utilised a novel lung function technique, intrabreath oscillometry, to track longitudinal lung function in children with recurrent preschool wheeze. This cohort is now being followed into primary school to help establish longitudinal lung function trajectories in those with resolved pre-school wheezing and those with persistent asthma.  

This program of research includes projects suitable for PhD, Honours or Masters students interested in respiratory physiology. If you are interested, please contact Dr Tamara Blake at t.blake@uq.edu.au.