RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07055542

Creating A Risk Assessment Tool for Thunderstorm Asthma: the CARISTA Study

Creating A RIsk Assessment Biomarker Tool to Prevent Seasonal and Thunderstorm Asthma: The CARISTA Study

Sponsor

University of Melbourne

Enrollment

530 participants

Start Date

Aug 27, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Allergic Asthma Asthma Acute Thunderstorm Asthma Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Grass Pollen Allergy Asthma Exacerbation Due to Thunderstorm

Summary

Thunderstorm asthma is a recurring public health emergency in South-Eastern Australia which occurs in springtime. The major identified risk factors for thunderstorm asthma is hay fever and allergy to ryegrass pollen. The goal of the CARISTA study is to identify the risk of springtime allergic and thunderstorm asthma in allergic adults living in South-Eastern Australia. To do this the investigators will recruit 530 people who have hay fever and test them for allergy to ryegrass pollen and undertake simple lung function testing. The investigators will ask study participants to complete a customised symptom tracker over the springtime pollen season for 2 consecutive years. The outcome the investigators are looking for is an asthma exacerbation or worsening asthma symptoms. This study will enable the investigators to identify indicators (biomarkers) of severe and moderate asthma exacerbations in order to identify those at risk of thunderstorm and seasonal asthma so protective treatments and strategies can be advised.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 70 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study (CARISTA) aims to build a risk tool to predict who is most likely to experience a severe asthma attack triggered by thunderstorms. These "thunderstorm asthma" events can affect large numbers of people suddenly and dangerously. Researchers will recruit people with seasonal hay fever to monitor symptoms and collect health data during spring. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18–70 years old - You have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever — sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes during certain seasons) - You are willing to do lung function testing and give a blood sample - You are willing to log your symptoms via a smartphone app through spring **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You do not have seasonal hay fever symptoms - You have unstable or severe asthma requiring daily oral steroids or a biologic medication - You have had a recent asthma flare or changed your asthma medications in the last month - You have a significant heart condition or are on immune-suppressing therapy - You are unable to give consent Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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