How climate change affects respiratory health in asthma and COPD patients
Official title: Climate Variability and Respiratory Health in Asthma and COPD
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11061756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study, led by Dr. Nicholas Nassikas, is looking at how changes in weather, like temperature and rainfall, affect the breathing health of people with asthma and COPD, especially in Black and Latinx communities, to find ways to help them feel better as our climate changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $256,202 |
| NIH project number | 5K23ES035863-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with asthma or COPD, particularly those from Black and Latinx communities who may be more affected by climate variability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic respiratory conditions or those living in areas with stable climate conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of climate-related factors, such as temperature and precipitation variability, on the respiratory health of individuals with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD. Led by Dr. Nicholas Nassikas, the project aims to understand how these environmental changes contribute to respiratory symptoms and exacerbations, particularly in vulnerable populations such as Black and Latinx communities. The study will utilize advanced statistical methods and biostatistics to analyze data and identify potential strategies for mitigating these health effects. By collaborating with experts in environmental epidemiology and asthma disparities, the research seeks to provide actionable insights for improving patient care in the context of climate change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for respiratory conditions in the face of climate change, enhancing the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental factors significantly impact respiratory health, suggesting that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nassikas, Nicholas — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nassikas, Nicholas
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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.