Dear Parent:

            The American Lung Association (ALA) wants you to know that we are continuing to explore ways to improve your child’s asthma.  The ALA-Asthma Clinical Research Centers is a group of research centers supported by the American Lung Association.  At present, there is open enrollment in a research study to determine whether medicine that decreases stomach acid can improve asthma symptoms.   The theory behind this treatment is that many children with asthma have “silent” regurgitation of stomach acid that can bring on asthma attacks, particularly at night. 

            If your child has asthma that causes symptoms that require the use of a rescue or reliever inhaler more than two times per week, or causes nighttime awakening more than once per week, he or she may qualify to be in this study.

            The study is described in the accompanying pamphlet.  Please take a moment to read it and if you are interested in participating, please contact one of the centers in your region for more information.  You can find out whether there is a center near you at the American Lung Association website:  http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=37101 or by calling the American Lung Association Help Line at 1 800 LUNGUSA.

            For additional specific information about the trial, you can print out the attached brochure or visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00442013

Sincerely,

Norman H. Edelman MD

Chief Medical Officer

American Lung Association