RecruitingPHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

The Safety, Feasibility, and Repeatability of Inhaled ATP Cough Challenges

This study is about a new test that uses a special mist (called ATP) that people breathe in to make them cough. This helps doctors see how sensitive someone's cough reflex is. This test is being used more and more for people with long-lasting coughs. However, we don't fully know yet how safe it is, how practical it is for everyone, or if it gives the same results each time. This research will involve healthy volunteers, as well as people with mild asthma and long-term cough, to carefully check these things. The results will help doctors use this test better in the future to understand cough sensitivity and potentially find new ways to treat coughs.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE1

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

Start

05 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Chronic Cough (CC)Asthma

What is this study about?

Imagine you have a cough that just won’t go away, or you have asthma and experience a lot of coughing. Doctors are always looking for better ways to understand why people cough and how to help them.

One new method involves asking people to breathe in a special mist called ATP. This mist can make you cough, and by seeing how much mist it takes to cause a cough, doctors can learn about how sensitive your cough reflex is. It's a bit like a check-up for your cough system. This study aims to make sure this test is a good one to use. We want to know if it's safe for people, easy to do in a clinic, and if it gives reliable results every time it's used. Right now, we don't have all the answers to these questions.

By taking part, you would help us answer these important questions. This information will guide doctors on how to best use this ATP cough challenge test in the future. Ultimately, this research could lead to a better understanding of chronic cough and help doctors choose the right treatments for patients who have very sensitive cough reflexes.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a cough challenge using a special mist (ATP).
It aims to find out if the test is safe, easy to do, and gives consistent results.
Healthy adults (18+) are needed for this first phase of the study.
No current or past chronic cough or other major breathing problems are allowed.
Results could help improve understanding and treatment of long-term coughs.

Who may be eligible?

This first part of the study is looking for healthy adults, aged 18 years and older, to take part. This means people who don't have a long-lasting cough or any other significant breathing problems. You would need to have normal lung function, which can be checked with a simple breathing test called spirometry.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've been a heavy smoker, or if you've recently had a bad cold, flu, or other chest infection. We also can't include people with certain serious health conditions, especially those affecting the lungs or heart, or if you have a disorder of your immune system or severe allergies.

For women, you cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding. If you could become pregnant, you would need to agree to use a reliable form of birth control throughout the study. The study team will review all your health information carefully to make sure it's safe for you to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you consider yourself a healthy adult with no long-term cough or breathing issues?
Have you *not* been a heavy smoker?
Have you *not* had a bad cold or chest infection in the last 6 weeks?
Are you *not* pregnant or breastfeeding, and willing to use birth control if applicable?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves breathing in a special mist (ATP cough challenge) to see your cough response. The study team will explain everything to you in detail. You will have your lung function tested with a simple breathing test called spirometry. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be discussed by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has possible benefits and risks. You might not directly benefit from this study, but your participation will help us learn more about cough challenges, which could help future patients with chronic cough. The ATP challenge might make you cough more than usual during the test, but this effect should be temporary. All procedures will be performed by experienced staff. You are free to ask any questions at any time and can leave the study at any point without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Respiratory Research Lab
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an ATP cough challenge?

It's a test where you breathe in a special mist (ATP) to see how easily it makes you cough. This helps doctors understand your cough reflex.

Why is this study only looking for healthy people right now?

This first step helps us understand how the test works in healthy individuals before we use it more widely in people with health conditions.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study is about breathing in a mist to provoke a cough, not about taking medication to treat a condition.

What if I get a cold before the study?

You wouldn't be able to participate if you've had cold or flu symptoms recently, as it could affect the test results. Let the study team know.

Is the ATP mist safe?

The study aims to confirm the safety of the ATP challenge. It's designed to be used in a controlled way by medical professionals.

How to find out more

Imran Satia, MD PhD

satiai@mcmaster.ca 905-525-2100 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.