Mechanisms of Change in Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy for Refractory Chronic Cough

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA · Apr 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking for new ways to help adults who suffer from chronic cough that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The study is testing two main approaches: one is called behavioral cough suppression (BCS) therapy, which teaches people techniques to control their cough, and the other involves using capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, to help decrease sensitivity to cough triggers. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving BCS therapy with capsaicin, another receiving BCS with a placebo (which looks like the real treatment but has no active ingredients), and the last group getting capsaicin alone.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 90 years old and have a diagnosis of chronic cough that is unexplained or hasn't responded to other treatments. You should also have a normal chest X-ray and good control of any asthma if you have it. Participants will attend 12 treatment sessions during the study, and we want to learn how these treatments affect their sensitivity to cough triggers, their ability to hold back a cough, and how their coughing impacts their quality of life. Overall, we hope to find effective ways to help people manage their cough better.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of refractory or unexplained chronic cough
• • Normal chest x-ray within past 2 years, without change in cough symptoms
• • If diagnosed with asthma, is it well controlled
• • Normal spirometry (or FEV1/FVC of at least 70% if diagnosed with asthma) within two years, without change in symptoms since
• • Laryngoscopy or stroboscopy within 2 years without evidence of structural pathology and no change in vocal quality since exam
• • Proficient reader/speaker of English
• • Willing to take a pregnancy test before enrollment (if applicable)
• • Willing to use contraception during the study (if applicable)
• • Demonstrates understanding in study procedures and risks in order to consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently a smoker of any substance
• • Currently suffering from any signs of an upper respiratory infection (other than cough)
• • Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• • Pulmonary diagnosis other than asthma
• • Used an ACE-inhibitor in the past 60 days
• • Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• • Any complaints or clinical symptoms of dysphagia
• • Live with or work with anyone with chronic cough
• The following additional exclusion criteria will apply to participants at University of Colorado:
• • Presence of metal implants, devices or fragments in the body
• • Claustrophobia