Analyzing exhaled breath to distinguish lung and airway diseases

Analysis of Exhaled Breath From Patients With Lung-/Airway Diseases (BigExBrESs)

Observational University of Zurich · NCT05458934

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 typeObservational
Enrollment5000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich)
Trial IDNCT05458934 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with lung or airway diseases.

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.

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 performed: Other studies utilizing breath analysis for respiratory diseases have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is gaining traction in the medical field.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Zurich, Canton of Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lung-/Airway Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.