Analyzing exhaled breath to distinguish lung and airway diseases
Official title: Analysis of Exhaled Breath From Patients With Lung-/Airway Diseases (BigExBrESs)
Run by University of Zurich · NCT05458934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if analyzing the breath of people with lung and airway diseases can help tell the difference between conditions like COPD and asthma.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 5000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 11, 2021 |
| Main results expected | May 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05458934 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with lung or airway diseases.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with physical or intellectual impairments that prevent informed consent or adherence to the study protocol, as well as pregnant individuals, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on analyzing the exhaled breath of patients with lung and airway diseases to identify and differentiate between various respiratory conditions. By utilizing mass spectrometry, the study aims to detect volatile organic compounds in breath, which can provide insights into the biochemical processes occurring in the body. The research employs Big Data analytics to recognize specific patterns associated with diseases like COPD and asthma, potentially enhancing disease management by predicting exacerbation risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and management of lung and airway diseases through non-invasive breath analysis.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing breath analysis for respiratory diseases have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is gaining traction in the medical field.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed informed consent * Age ≥ 18 years at study entry Exclusion Criteria: * Physical or intellectual impairment precluding informed consent or protocol adherence * Known pregnancy
Where it's running
-
University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Malcolm Kohler, MD
- Email: malcolm.kohler@usz.ch
- Phone: +41442551111
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Classifying treatable traits and breathlessness perception in people with COPD or asthma
This project will try to group adults with COPD or asthma by how they perceive breathlessness and link those groups to blood tests, lung tests, questionnaires, and brain scans.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.