Inhaled L-menthol for breathlessness in interstitial lung disease
Official title: Effect of L-menthol on Breathlessness and Exercise Capacity in Interstitial Lung Disease: a Randomized Crossover Trial
Run by Region Skane · NCT07398287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether inhaled L-menthol can reduce breathlessness and help adults with fibrosing interstitial lung disease exercise better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Region Skane Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Karlskrona, Blekinge County and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07398287 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adults (≥18) with physician-diagnosed fibrosing ILD who are clinically stable, can cycle for exercise testing, speak Swedish, and do not require supplemental oxygen at rest or during exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with resting hypoxemia (SpO2 < 92%), current need for supplemental oxygen, recent hospitalization or clinical instability, olfactory disorders, or major cardiac/neuromuscular comorbidities are unlikely to benefit or are not eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with physician-diagnosed fibrosing ILD who can cycle and speak Swedish will receive inhaled L-menthol or a placebo and undergo exercise testing and laboratory dyspnea assessments. The study uses cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and provoked dyspnea models to measure breathlessness and exercise capacity. Investigators will compare symptom ratings, physiologic responses, and explore whether a menthol-induced cooling/olfactory sensation increases airflow-related sensory feedback. The goal is to clarify both the symptomatic effect and potential mechanisms of inhaled menthol in chronic ILD-related dyspnea.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, inhaled L-menthol could offer a simple, low-cost way to relieve chronic breathlessness and improve exercise tolerance for people with ILD.
How similar studies have gone: Small pilot studies have shown promising reductions in laboratory-induced dyspnea with inhaled menthol, but larger clinical evidence is still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The subject has given written consent to participate in the study * Physician diagnosis of fibrosing ILD according to international guidelines * age 18 years or older * able to cycle * able to understand and talk Swedish to participate in the study procedures, as judged by the Investigators. Exclusion Criteria: * Resting peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) \< 92% * hospitalization or clinical instability during the last four weeks * treatment with supplementary oxygen at rest or during exercise * contraindication to exercise testing in accordance with clinical practice guidelines * expected survival shorter than six months as judged by the Investigator * medical conditions including congestive heart failure, acute coronary artery disease, neuromuscular diseases, severe psychiatric illness, and olfaction disorder.
Where it's running
-
Blekinge Institute of Technology
Karlskrona, Blekinge County, Sweden Recruiting -
Lund University hospital and Region Skåne
Lund, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zainab Ahmadi — Region Skåne and Lund University
- Study coordinator: Zainab Ahmadi, MD, PhD
- Email: zainab.ahmadi@med.lu.se
- Phone: 046171000
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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.