Can a handheld nebulizer compare with a lab device for citric acid cough tests in healthy adults?
Official title: Evaluating the Feasibility and Reliability of Using Handheld Nebulizers to Conduct Cough Sensitivity Testing With Citric Acid
Run by University of Montana · NCT07531901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing if a cheap handheld nebulizer can reliably measure cough sensitivity the same way as a standard lab device in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Montana Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Missoula, Montana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07531901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults 18 years or older who consent to recording and meet spirometry criteria (FEV1/FVC ≥ 0.70) on the day of testing.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with current respiratory infections, chronic pulmonary diseases, or recent smoking (within six months) may not benefit from this testing approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study compares two methods for delivering citric acid to trigger coughs: a dosimeter-controlled lab nebulizer and a low-cost handheld nebulizer. Healthy adults will undergo standardized cough challenge testing with both systems, and cough thresholds (C2 and C5) will be compared to assess concordance and repeatability. The goal is to determine if handheld technology can provide reliable, accessible objective cough measurements outside specialized laboratories. The trial is a proof-of-concept and may inform broader use of handheld devices in outpatient or community settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could use affordable handheld nebulizers to objectively assess cough sensitivity, increasing access to this testing outside specialized labs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that alternative aerosol delivery methods can influence cough thresholds, but this study directly evaluates a low-cost handheld device against a standard lab system.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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
Where it's running
-
University of Montana
Missoula, Montana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jane E Salois, PhD
- Email: jane.salois@umontana.edu
- Phone: 406-243-2138
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Food for Health: a produce prescription program for rural Native American older adults
This project will try giving produce vouchers to Native American adults 55 and older on the Flathead Reservation who have or are at risk for type 2 diabetes to see if it reduces food insecurity and improves diet and blood sugar.
-
Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy with or without an inhaled aid for refractory chronic cough
This study tests whether adding an inhaled substance to behavioral cough suppression helps people with persistent chronic cough see if it works better than behavior therapy alone.
-
Physical therapy using horses for children with neuromotor impairments
This study is testing if physical therapy that uses horses can help children aged 6-17 with neuromotor disorders improve their motor skills better than regular play-based therapy.
-
Improving psychological and vestibular health with MINDGAPS
This study is testing a new system called MINDGAPS to see if it can help track recovery and improve both balance and mental health in people who have dizziness and anxiety after a mild brain injury.
-
Exploring how doulas help people with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
This study is testing whether having a specially trained doula can help people dealing with mood and anxiety issues during and after pregnancy feel better.
-
Testing Cafe Move to prevent physical frailty in older adults
This study tests a program called Cafe Move to see if it can help older adults stay physically strong and healthy.
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.