Medical research
Hope for improved treatments for children with breathing difficulties
Dr Shalini Hillson’s Training Fellowship, aims to transform the treatment of wheezing in young children. This fellowship, funded by a generous grant from the Freemasons in collaboration with children’s charity Action Medical Research, will work towards tailoring treatments to each child’s specific needs, moving away from the conventional one-size-fits-all approach.
Wheezing, often recognised by a high-pitched sound during breathing, is prevalent among young children. Without appropriate treatment, it can lead to severe conditions like asthma or diminished lung function, significantly affecting children’s quality of life. Traditional treatments, usually involving steroids based on the assumption of allergies, often fail to address the individual nature of each case.
Dr Hillson’s innovative research training fellowship, based at Imperial College London, aims to change this narrative. By employing a suite of bedside tests – including fingerprick blood tests, nose and throat swabs, and simple breathing assessments – she intends to distinguish between different types of wheezing. This approach facilitates more effective, personalised treatment plans, potentially preventing future wheezing attacks and safeguarding long-term lung health.
Furthermore, this project includes a critical study phase, where a subset of patients will receive treatments based on these test results. This step is crucial in determining whether personalised treatment offers superior outcomes compared to current methods. The success of this phase could lay the groundwork for a larger clinical trial, emphasising targeted treatments for preschool wheezing and its long-term benefits.
I’m deeply thankful to the London Freemasons and Action Medical Research for this opportunity to pioneer new treatments that could revolutionise the treatment of preschool. This research marks a promising step forward in paediatric respiratory care.
Supporting Dr Hillson’s groundbreaking work aligns with our mission to contribute to vital medical advancements. Her efforts in developing new treatments for wheezing have the potential to significantly improve the lives of children worldwide.