๐ฌIn plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
Menthol inhalation (MI) is a novel and promising treatment option for acute relief of dyspnea, however, the underlying ventilatory and/or neural related mechanisms for this relief in symptoms remain unknown. The overall aim of this research project is to systematically examine the mechanisms of dyspnea relief from MI in healthy individuals and those with COPD.
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
๐ Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age: 18 years of age or older
* Able to speak, read, and write Dutch or English
* Normal pulmonary function: forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity ratio\>0.70; FEV1โฅ80%predicted (WP1 and 2 only)
* Non-smoker or former smokers (smoke-free โฅ12 months prior to enrolment) (WP1 and 2 only)
* Clinically stable COPD (based on clinical judgment of the study physician that have not had exacerbations requiring escalation of medical therapy (i.e., short course of oral corticosteroids or antibiotics) within the preceding 14 days (WP3 and 4 only)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Contraindication to exercise testing (e.g., significant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological disease; see Table 4 from ERS/ATS consensus statement)
* Significant pulmonary or extra-pulmonary disease that, based on clinical assessment, could influence dyspnea and/or impair exercise capacity (with the exception of COPD in WP3 and 4)
* Body mass index \<18.5 or \>35 kg/m2
* An ulcer or tumor in the esophagus, a nasal septum deviation, or recent nasopharyngeal surgery
* Severe facial trauma including cribriform plate disruption (bone separating brain from nasal cavity)
* Allergies to latex and sensitivities to local anesthetics
* Inability to give informed consent, including those with significant cognitive impairment
* Alcohol consumption within 12 hours of study visit
* Current smoker\*
* History of early menopause (age \<45 years)
* Pregnancy or desire to become pregnant while in trial
๐
What it tests
- Menthol inhalation
- Strawberry scent
- Menthol inhalation and facial airflow
- Strawberry scent and airflow to leg
- Menthol inhalation and airflow to leg
University Hospital Leuven
Leuven, Belgium
๐ค Taking part is your choice, and you can leave at any time. Only the trial team can confirm you are eligible โ always decide together with your own doctor.