Neurophysiology and Pharmacology of Cough Reflex Hypersensitivity (NCT00858624) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Neurophysiology and Pharmacology of Cough Reflex Hypersensitivity
United Kingdom24 participantsStarted 2008-02
Plain-language summary
A cough lasting more than 2 months is known as a chronic cough, affecting 12-23% of the adult non-smoking population. Chronic cough has many associated complications including incontinence, muscular chest pains, blackouts and depression. Current treatment is often ineffective in these patients. To develop new medications the investigators need to understand more about the mechanisms that can lead to excessive coughing.
This study plans to compare a group of 12 healthy volunteers and 12 patients with a chronic cough. The investigators hypothesise that that chronic cough patients have a more sensitive cough reflex as a result central nervous system hyper-excitability (central sensitisation). The investigators will measure cough reflex sensitivity before and after administration of ketamine, a medication that blocks an important receptor in the central nervous system.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Healthy Volunteers:
* Over 18 years old
* Measurable cough reflex sensitivity
* No current or past history of chronic cough or chronic respiratory disease.
* No symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, asthma or post-nasal drip.
Chronic Cough Patients
* Over 18 years old
* Chronic persistent cough (\> 8 weeks) despite investigation and/or treatment trials for cough variant asthma/post nasal drip and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
* Normal CXR
* Normal lung function
* Measurable cough reflex sensitivity
Exclusion Criteria:
* Recent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (4 weeks)
* Pregnancy/breast feeding
* Current smokers or ex-smokers with \< 6 months abstinence or cumulative history of \> 10 packyears
* Diabetes Mellitus
* Opiate or ACE Inhibitor use.
* Any centrally acting medication which has the potential to alter cough reflex sensitivity.
* Significant and ongoing chronic respiratory, cardiovascular (in particular hypertension), gastro-intestinal, haematological (porphyria), neurological or psychiatric illness.
* Drug or alcohol abuse
* History of allergy or reaction to ketamine of other NMDA receptor antagonists.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.