Patterns of Neurocircuitry Activation In Severe Asthma

To begin to further address possible relationships of asthma and brain function, the investigators propose the following hypothesis, "patients with defined characteristics of severe asthma will have distinct patterns of persistent neurocircuitry activation. The investigators further propose that the detection of ongoing neurocircuitry activation occurs because of persistent and active airway inflammation in severe asthma. Finally, the investigators propose that the intensity of specific neurocircuitry activation will relate to the severity of underlying asthma.

Inclusion criteria

• Currently enrolled in Severe Asthma Research Program III (2012-0571) study
• Has severe asthma
• Is a male or female with no health concerns that might affect the outcome of the study
• Provided a negative urine pregnancy test prior to visit (Females only)
• Capable and willing to grant written informed consent and cooperate with study procedures and requirements (investigator discretion)
• Is able to tolerate a simulated functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scanning session
• Is able to give valid informed consent to participate by signing and dating a written consent form

Exclusion criteria

• Uses psychotropic medication that might affect function of neurocircuitry implicated in our hypotheses (at the discretion of a study physician or Co-Investigator)
• Has one or more contraindications for functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Has needle phobia or claustrophobia
• Unable to distinguish specific colors used in Stroop task
• History of a diagnosed Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or Schizoaffective Disorder
• Is a pregnant or lactating female
• Has had an upper or lower respiratory infection within 1 month of the visit
• Has unstable asthma as indicated by self-report of increased symptoms or increased beta-agonist use over the 2 weeks preceding the visit
• Is a current smoker (defined as smoked within the last year) or a former smoker with a history of >5 pack years
• Any condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, might interfere with participation in the study
• Inability or unwillingness to perform required study procedures