Get Involved in Research

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How to Get Involved in Research

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) works on behalf of the more than 60 million people in the US who have asthma and/or allergies.

We work with physicians, researchers, patients, caregivers, public health and government agencies to conduct and support research that is important to people affected by asthma and allergies.

As a patient or caregiver, you can get involved in research in different ways. From participating in short polls to answering phone interviews to becoming a patient advisor on a research project, you can have a significant impact on asthma and allergy research. Here are some of the ways you can help improve treatments, education and awareness of asthma and allergies:

Join AAFA’s Online Community for Asthma and Allergic Diseases

Become a part of our community to receive support while managing asthma and allergies. By signing up, you will:

  • Receive information about managing your condition(s)
  • Get social support for conditions that can feel isolating at times
  • Receive up-to-date research news
  • Opt-in to learn about
    • Becoming an advisor on important research, working side by side with AAFA, scientists and/or researchers
    • Opportunities to participate in surveys that evaluate the impacts of asthma and allergic diseases on quality of life
    • Potential research studies (including clinical trials) that you may qualify to join
  • Be able to share your opinions and feedback with AAFA

Join Our Kids With Food Allergies (KFA) Online Community

Become a part of our KFA community to receive support while managing food allergies. By signing up, you will:

  • Receive information about managing your child’s condition(s)
  • Chat with other parents raising children with food allergies for information and encouragement
  • Get recipe ideas
  • Receive tips and information to keep your child safe
  • Receive food recall alerts
  • Receive up-to-date research news
  • Opt-in to learn about
    • Becoming an advisor on important research, working side by side with AAFA, scientists and/or researchers
    • Opportunities to participate in surveys that evaluate the impacts of asthma and allergic diseases on quality of life
    • Potential research studies (including clinical trials)that you may qualify to join
  • Be able toshare your opinions and feedback with AAFA/KFA

Promoting Patient Engagement in Asthma Research: Video Series

Learn about asthma basics and the value of asthma research in this 11-part video series. Topics include:

  • Asthma basics
  • Asthma treatment
  • Finding accurate research
  • Understanding clinical research and trials

Clinical Trials

Clinical research studies health and illnesses in people. Experts use research to study the causes of diseases and symptoms, as well as if treatments work. They also look for medical approaches to prevent, detect or treat diseases and illnesses.

Clinical trials tests medical approaches to see if they work. These trials may include treatments, procedures or changes in behavior. Before these medical approaches can be approved for the public, they are tested through clinical trials usually made up of four phases.

By being part of a clinical trial, you can help advance treatments for asthma and allergic diseases.