Dr Johanna Feary
Changing prevalence of current asthma and inhaled corticosteroid treatment in the UK: population-based cohort 2006–2016
Asthma is the most common respiratory disorder in the UK, yet we have incomplete knowledge on the prevalence of current disease, treatment and exacerbations.
We used UK electronic healthcare records, 2006–2016, to estimate the prevalence of current asthma by year, sex and age (<5, 5–11, 12–17, 18–24, 25–54 and ≥55 years), and the proportion prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and additional asthma therapy, treated for exacerbations and other asthma care markers.
Biallelic human ITCH variants causing a multisystem disease with dysmorphic features: a second report
We report a 23 year old female with biallelic truncating variants in the ITCH (Itchy E3 Ubiquitin protein ligase, mouse homolog of; OMIM60649) gene associated with marked short stature, severe early onset chronic lung disease resembling asthma, dysmorphic facial features, and symmetrical camptodactyly of the fingers but normal intellect.
Aromatic solvents: the not so sweet side
In their published article, Alif et al report the findings from a carefully conducted longitudinal study showing the effects of occupational exposures on lung function decline between the ages of 45 and 50 years.
Laboratory animal allergy is preventable in modern research facilities
Basophil activation testing in occupational respiratory allergy to low molecular weight compounds
Purpose of review There is an unmet need for better immunological tests in cases of suspected occupational asthma to many workplace chemicals; here we consider the basophil activation test (BAT), a potential alternative to the detection of specific IgE antibodies.
Recent findings BAT is fairly widely used in general allergy services; and there is increasing experience of its use in the diagnosis of occupational allergy to low molecular weight agents and chemicals including wood dusts, persulphates, antibiotics and latex.
Continuous laryngoscopy during provocation in the assessment of inducible laryngeal obstruction
Transient paradoxical closure of the larynx, occurring in the absence of any underlying structural or neurological defect, is a recognized cause of paroxysmal breathlessness and wheeze. This phenomenon, most commonly termed vocal cord dysfunction and more recently termed inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO),1 is often misdiagnosed and mistreated as asthma.2, 3 This may be explained by the lack of a robust, accepted diagnostic methodology.4, 5
Exacerbation patterns in adults with asthma in England. A population-based study
Rationale: Asthma is heterogeneous and knowledge on exacerbation patterns is lacking. Previous studies have had a relatively short follow-up or focused on severe disease.
Objectives: To describe exacerbation patterns over a prolonged follow-up in a population that includes patients of all disease severity.
Dr Johanna Feary
Honorary Consultant in Occupational Lung Disease and Asthma
Jo is an Honorary Respiratory Consultant in occupational lung disease and asthma at Royal Brompton Hospital and Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College.
Her research is primarily focused on the respiratory heath of working populations including firefighters and individuals exposed to silica. She has been awarded funding to establish a UK Silicosis Registry. She is clinical advisor to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Respiratory Health (silicosis). She is a member of the Group of Occupational Respiratory Disease Specialists (GORDS) and recent Chair of the British Thoracic Society Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease Specialist Advisory Group (2021-2024).
- Qualifications: BMedSci, BM BS, MSc, MRCP, PhD
- See a list of recent publications by Dr Johanna Feary
- See Google scholar articles
- ORCID ID: 0000-0003-2903-6907
Publication on Grenfell Firefighters Study
Wed, 07 May 2025
The Grenfell Firefighters Study is a cohort study of firefighters from the London Fire Brigade to look at the medium and long term risks associated with firefighting, with a particular emphasis on cardiorespiratory health and cancer. The cohort includes both firefighters who did, and did not attend the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Recruitment began in late 2019 and finished in 2023.
Analysis of a subgroup of blood results looking at cancer biomarkers has now been published on Scientific Reports (Feary et al, 2025). Our findings revealed that 11 firefighters carried pathogenic DNA variants associated with cancer, but we found no association between fire smoke exposure and the presence of these variants.
Read the full article.
Read more about our current research.
Analysis of lung function results is expected to be complete by 31/12/2025.
Silicosis on BBC Morning Live
Tue, 13 May 2025
Dr Johanna Feary was recently featured on BBC Morning Live at Royal Brompton Hospital to talk about silicosis due to artificial stone, and advises those working with the material to get their lungs checked.
The feature also includes an interview with our patient Ryan, who spoke about how his silicosis diagnosis has affected his life. Nurse Tamanna Kabir was also featured performing spirometry with Ryan.
Watch the feature on BBC Morning Live online from 11mins and 22 secs.
