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Evaluating Handheld Nebulizers for Cough Sensitivity Testing

This study is exploring a new way to measure how sensitive your cough reflex is. Currently, this testing often requires expensive lab equipment. Researchers want to see if a common, handheld nebulizer (DeVilbiss 45) can deliver citric acid (a substance that can make you cough) just as reliably as the specialized lab equipment (Cosmed QuarkSpiro Dosimeter-Controlled Nebulizer). This could make objective cough testing more accessible. They will compare how consistently both devices measure the concentration of citric acid needed to make you cough two or five times. You can join if you are a healthy adult between 18 and 89 years old and agree to audio/video recording. The study is currently recruiting 10 participants.

Study design
This interventional study will enroll 10 healthy adult participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You will attend four weekly study visits over a 4-week period. During each visit, you will undergo cough sensitivity testing using both types of nebulizers.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints for cough thresholds (C2 and C5) are measured across a 4-week study period.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07531901

Evaluating the Feasibility and Reliability of Using Handheld Nebulizers to Conduct Cough Sensitivity Testing With Citric Acid

Recruiting
NAAges 18–89InterventionalDiagnostic
University of Montana
~10 participants
Updated 2026-07-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cosmed QuarkSpiro Dosimeter-Controlled NebulizerDeVilbiss 45 Handheld Nebulizer

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Test-retest reliability of the concentration of citric acid that elicits two or more coughs (C2)
Measured over Cough sensitivity testing to determine cough thresholds (C2) will be performed at each of four weekly study visits, with visits occurring every 7 days across a 4-week study period.
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Cough Reflex Sensitivity

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NCT07531901

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Montana

    Missoula, Montanastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Jane E Salois, PhD
[email protected]
406-243-2138
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Healthy adults at least 18 years of age
Consent to audio/video recording of the research sessions for research purposes
Spirometry testing results obtained by study team on same day of first testing session with FEV1/FVC ratio and FEV1 percent predicted values of at least 0.70

Exclusion

Pregnant or trying to become pregnant (if capable of becoming pregnant- a urine pregnancy test will be provided onsite and a negative result must be obtained prior to the first testing session)
Smoking of any substance in the last six months
Diagnosed or suspected pulmonary disease (e.g., asthma, COPD)
History of chronic cough
History of head or neck cancer
History of neurological disease (e.g., cerebrovascular accident)
History of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty)
Current complaint of a voice problem
Current upper respiratory infection

What this trial measures

  • Test-retest reliability of the concentration of citric acid that elicits two or more coughs (C2)Cough sensitivity testing to determine cough thresholds (C2) will be performed at each of four weekly study visits, with visits occurring every 7 days across a 4-week study period.

    The test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient) of the citric acid concentration required to elicit two coughs during cough challenge testing will be evaluated and compared for each testing method.

  • Test-retest reliability of the concentration of citric acid that elicits five or more coughs (C5)Cough sensitivity testing to determine cough thresholds (C5) will be performed at each of four weekly study visits, with visits occurring every 7 days across a 4-week study period.

    The test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient) of the citric acid concentration required to elicit five coughs during cough challenge testing will be evaluated and compared for each testing method.