Children and young people with CP needed for respiratory study
A new West Australian study will look at the breathing and airway problems of children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) so that health professionals can prevent serious respiratory problems.
The Breathing for Life study is being run by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, The Centre for Cerebral Palsy and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.
Paediatrician Dr Kate Langdon said breathing and airway problems do occur in children and young adults with cerebral palsy and sometimes necessitate admission to hospital.
"We are interested to know the extent and natural history of these problems across the population of children and young adults with cerebral palsy so that we know how to prevent the progression of serious breathing and airway problems before it occurs," said Dr Langdon.
Peter Hall, 2011 WA Youth Awards 'Motivate!' recipient, PMH Youth Advisory Committee member and a young person with CP, is getting behind the Breathing for Life study . He encourages other young people with CP to get involved.
"Respiratory problems are not just chest infections, it is also phlegm in the throat to a cough. I have to make myself cough up phlegm once or twice a day - because it's the way I can get it out. It can be quite debilitating, coughing all the time."
Parents of children with CP or young people with CP aged less than 26 years, are invited to participate in this WA state-wide survey. Visit www.breathingforlife.ichr.uwa.edu.au or contact Research Assistant, Caris Jalla on 0403 464 349 or email cjalla@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Cerebral palsy is a permanent physical condition that affects movement and currently there is no cure. In WA there are over 2000 people living with CP and about 33,000 across Australia. It is the most common childhood disability in Australia.