Cryotherapy treatment for chronic cough

To Determine the Efficacy of Topical Cryotherapy on Supraglottic Laryngeal Mucosa in the Treatment of Chronic Neurogenic Cough in Adult Patients

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT05665244

This study tests if a freezing treatment for the throat can help people with a stubborn chronic cough that hasn't improved with other treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05665244 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of laryngeal cryotherapy for patients suffering from refractory neurogenic cough, a chronic condition characterized by persistent coughing. Participants will undergo a laryngoscopy to identify hypersensitive areas in the throat, followed by the cryotherapy procedure to numb overactive sensory nerves. The study will track patient outcomes through validated cough surveys and standard follow-up visits to assess symptom improvement. The approach aims to provide a new therapeutic option for individuals who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with neurogenic cough after excluding other potential causes.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled reflux, vocal fold abnormalities, or other significant respiratory conditions may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce chronic cough symptoms in patients with neurogenic cough.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar cryotherapy techniques have shown promise in treating other conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients 18 years or older with diagnosis of neurogenic cough
* Neurogenic cough is a diagnosis of exclusion applied to persistent cough (8 weeks or longer)
* Negative workup for other causes, including sinonasal allergies/chronic sinusitis, cough-variant asthma, and GERD
* Patient willing to participate in a clinical trial

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncontrolled reflux (scoring on Reflux Symptom index of 13 or higher)
* Vocal fold abnormalities or impairment
* History of asthma or other underlying lung condition not adequately treated or controlled
* Uncontrolled Allergic Rhinitis (Total Nasal Symptom Score \>6, which would indicate moderate disease32)
* Reported symptom of postnasal drip
* Current smoker
* Current neuromodulator medication use
* Patient unwilling to participate in clinical trial or sign an informed consent
* End stage medical disease with poor life expectancy
* Medical instability deemed by the investigators as a contraindication for enrollment
* Abnormal Chest X-ray
* Abnormal pulmonary function testing (PFTs)
* Positive local allergy panel (combined RAST testing)

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Upper-Airway Cough Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.