Stimulation of the Larynx to Treat Unexplained Chronic Cough

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · Mar 9, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people who have a long-lasting cough that doesn’t have a clear cause. Researchers want to see if a device that gently vibrates the larynx (the voice box) can help reduce the severity of these cough symptoms. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and it’s open to adults aged 18 to 88 who have been coughing for more than eight weeks and have a cough severity score of 30 or higher on a scale from 0 to 100.

To participate, individuals need to be able to understand and complete questionnaires in English and provide informed consent. However, those with certain electronic implants, currently undergoing speech therapy for cough, or who do not have regular access to Wi-Fi cannot join. If eligible, participants can expect to try this non-invasive stimulation treatment and share their experiences with the researchers, which could help improve understanding and treatment of unexplained chronic cough in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18-88
• • \>8 weeks of cough
• • Cough visual analogue scale (VAS): Rating of 30 or greater on a 0-100 cough severity scale
• • Ability to provide informed consent and independently complete questionnaires
• • Ability to read and speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Electronic implants (e.g., pacemaker)
• • Currently doing speech therapy for cough
• • Contraindications to safe or effective VTS device use
• • No regular access to wifi internet Neuromuscular impairment that may affect cough/laryngeal sensation and/or function (e.g., multiple system atrophy, Parkinson, CVA, vocal fold paralysis or paresis)
• • Untreated carotid disease
• • BMI \> 40 (for transmission of VTS through soft tissue)
• • Current or recent (quit \< 3 months ago) smoking
• • Known currently infectious cause for cough (e.g., TB, pertussis, COVID)
• • History of known or suspected aspiration pneumonia
• • Diagnosis or clinical suspicion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• • Diagnosis or clinical suspicion of interstitial lung disease (ILD)
• • Unmanaged reflux
• • Unmanaged allergies/postnasal drip