Ian Jarrold

Little is known about how COPD develops because most people are diagnosed when the condition is well-established, and their lungs are already irreversibly damaged. In research funded by Asthma + Lung UK, Dr James Allinson is looking into whether earlier diagnosis could halt, or even reverse, the disease. Ian Jarrold, our Deputy Head of Research + Innovation, explains more.

Until recently, there were no treatments designed specifically for bronchiectasis. Now, landmark research by Professor James Chalmers has discovered the world’s first potential therapy for the disease. Ian Jarrold, our Deputy Head of Research + Innovation, tells us about this amazing discovery.

People with lung conditions, like COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), often experience flare-ups (also known as exacerbations). This is where their breathing and other symptoms suddenly get worse over a short period of time, often leaving them unable to breathe.

At the Royal Brompton and Harefield Trust, consultant chest physician Dr William Man and his team have taken a difficult lung test and made it as simple as breathing in and out. He’s discovered a ground-breaking new way of using sound waves to measure how well the lungs are working in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Professor Clare Murray and her team at the University of Manchester have made a potentially life-changing discovery for people with asthma, in the ‘silent zone’ of the lungs. It could be the key to finding new ways to diagnose and treat asthma – and save lives.