Air pollution sensitivity in pediatric asthma
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11392733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Kids with asthma may have worse symptoms on days with dirty air, and this project aims to predict and prevent those flare-ups using data from medical records, genetics, and the environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $135,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL173625-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392733 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with asthma (including ages 0-11) and their families, particularly those with exposure to ambient air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with asthma who have little exposure to air pollution or whose triggers are unrelated to pollution may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how air pollution affects children with asthma and uses data science to find patterns that predict when a flare-up might happen. By combining clinical data, genetic information, and environmental exposure, researchers hope to build models that identify kids at higher risk during polluted days. The work is centered at CHOP with collaboration from Penn, and it builds on preliminary findings about a subgroup of children who are more sensitive to air pollution. If successful, the models could guide personalized prevention strategies and inform public health actions to protect vulnerable kids. The study has a translational focus, aiming to move from data to tools that clinicians and families can use to reduce asthma morbidity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could receive personalized alerts and interventions to prevent asthma flare-ups on high-pollution days.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that integrating clinical, genetic, and environmental data can improve prediction of asthma outcomes, with emerging models showing promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelchtermans, Jelte — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Kelchtermans, Jelte
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.