Adult Arm of DZL All Age Asthma Cohort (ALLIANCE)

The All Age Asthma Cohort (ALLIANCE) of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Adult Arm

Deep Phenotyping of adult asthma patients:

• severity from mild to severe
• both atopic and non-atopic
• both childhood and adult onset
• both smokers and non-smokers
• corresponding pediatric cohort (Pediatric Arm of DZL All Age Asthma Cohort) with equivalent SOPs regarding collection of biomaterial and clinical data incl. lung function, further processing of biomaterial and further analyses

The clinical heterogeneity of asthma patients has been increasingly recognised within the last years. Recent studies and articles highlighted the idea of asthma not beeing a single disease but rather a unifying term for multiple phenotypes. Phenotype in this sense is defined as the combination of observable properties of an organism, that are produced by the interactions of a genotype and the environment. In contrast, endotype describes a specific underlying pathophysiological pathway. Linking asthma phenotypes and endotypes in a system biological approach is an important research goal in order to develop targeted therapy, especially for severe asthma.

The advantage the investigators' cohort provides is the collaboration with an equivalent pediatric cohort. In this setting questions regarding disease onset, exacerbation and chronicity can be posed and worked with in a comprehensive manner.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Proven Diagnosis according to current GINA Guideline (2014)
• Ability to read and understand German
• Ability to understand and agree to informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of respiratory tract infection within the last 4 weeks before inclusion