Predicting flare ups in chronic lung diseases
Lung Disease

Predicting flare ups in chronic lung diseases

If you don’t know anyone with a chronic lung disease such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema, you may not understand the full impact of these lung diseases on everyday life. Most patients have to undergo thorough and intensive regimes to keep their lungs in working condition; being careful to not get sick, taking dozens of medications and sticking to specially designed diets.

In addition to this, the already debilitating diseases can wreak havoc when it “flares up”. Patients are often hospitalised due to exacerbation of symptoms. If the exacerbation isn’t caught early enough, the results can be devastating and even fatal.

So, what if we could predict when a chronic lung disease patient was going to have a flare up? What if there was a way of measuring and treating the disease so these exacerbations could be avoided? That is exactly what researcher Abella Murray aims to do. By studying immune cell numbers in patients suffering from a chronic airway disease (CAD), she hopes to develop a way to predict the onset of an exacerbation.

If flare ups of CADs can be predicted, patients would be able to get the treatment they need before they have to suffer through the effects of an exacerbation. It also hopes to reduce the need for patients to be put on extremely strong medication, which in turn exposes them to a number of side effects.

The success of this project will lead to improved quality of care and reduced side effects for people with CADs, as well as reduce the number of people who fall seriously ill or die from these debilitating diseases.

Support The Common Good here.

Published: June 11, 2019

Related news & events

Acknowledging our Corporate Volunteers this National Volunteer Week

Volunteering

Acknowledging our Corporate Volunteers this National Volunteer Week

This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a big thank you to our corporate volunteers who answer our call for help.

Find out more

National Volunteer Week Australia 2025: 'Connecting Communities'

Volunteering

National Volunteer Week Australia 2025: 'Connecting Communities'

National Volunteer Week 2025: Meet the incredible people who give their time and skills through The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

Find out more

It's Heart Week: Let’s Talk About the Health of Your Heart

Heart Disease

It's Heart Week: Let’s Talk About the Health of Your Heart

Discover how The Common Good is supporting world-leading heart health research at The Prince Charles Hospital this Heart Week.

Find out more

Chain Reaction Challenge 2025: Helping sick kids in Queensland

The Common Good

Chain Reaction Challenge 2025: Helping sick kids in Queensland

Cyclists ride 1000km in the Chain Reaction Challenge 2025 to fund Child Life Therapy program for sick kids at The Prince Charles Hospital.

Find out more

Over $70,000 Raised for Transplant Research Through 2025 Tour de Brisbane

Tour De Brisbane

Over $70,000 Raised for Transplant Research Through 2025 Tour de Brisbane

This year’s Tour de Brisbane, sponsored by Transurban, has made a significant impact for transplant research with over $70,000 raised in 2025

Find out more

Children’s Retreat Space at The Prince Charles Hospital Revamped

The Common Good

Children’s Retreat Space at The Prince Charles Hospital Revamped

The Children’s retreat space in The Prince Charles Hospital’s paediatric ward, brings smiles and laughter to sick and injured kids.

Find out more

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025

Researcher Stories

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025

In February 2025, we acknowledge International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the remarkable women making a difference in STEM.

Find out more

Cycle into the New Year and Win a $100 Gift Voucher

Tour De Brisbane

Cycle into the New Year and Win a $100 Gift Voucher

Register to the Tour de Brisbane, create your fundraising page by January 5th,and you’ll go in the draw to win a 99 Bikes $100 Gift Voucher.

Find out more

The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation’s 2024 Year in Review

Year in Review

The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation’s 2024 Year in Review

Celebrate The Common Good's 2024 achievements, from life-changing research to inspiring fundraising events and volunteer efforts.

Find out more