African American Asthma Study

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term condition in which the lining of the lungs and airways become sore and swollen. This makes breathing difficult.

People living with asthma may experience the following symptoms:

* Shortness of breath

* Chest tightness

* Wheezing

* Coughing

Asthma attacks or episodes occur when airways react to certain triggers, making breathing difficult. Common triggers include:

Pollens - Dust - Exercise - Pets Mold - Cold air - Tobacco Smoke

To Volunteer for this study:

· You have been diagnosed with asthma

· You are 12 years of age or older (male or female)

· You require asthma medication on a daily basis

· You are African American

Eligibility will depend on a range of criteria. If you decide to participate, you will first be asked to attend a screening visit at a medical site near you. The purpose of the screening visit is to determine if you meet all of the entry criteria for the clinical research study.

About the Study

· The Asthma Study is being conducted in approximately 150 study centers in the United States.

· This study will look at the safety and effectiveness of the study medication specifically within the African American population.

· This medication combines a bronchodilator with an inhaled corticosteroid in a single inhaler. Bronchodilators help to relax the muscles of the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Inhaled corticosteroids help to treat and prevent swelling of the lungs.

· If you are selected to participate, you will be randomly assigned (like picking numbers out of a hat) to receive either the study medication (bronchodilator plus inhaled corticosteroid) OR an inhaled corticosteroid, used alone. You will not be told which medication you are assigned.

· Your participation is completely voluntary. If you do participate, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time for any reason. You will keep your right to the same standard of care you received before. Your study doctor will discuss with you any other treatment options that may be helpful to you.