RecruitingObservational

Better tests for interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) covers a range of conditions that cause inflammation or scarring in the lungs. Doctors currently find it difficult to predict whether a person's condition will stay stable or get worse. Current diagnostic tests can also be slow or unclear. This NHS Tayside study looks at whether new, non-invasive blood and breathing tests can accurately detect lung changes and predict future flare-ups or hospital visits. Researchers are recruiting adults aged 18 to 90 who have an established diagnosis of ILD. They are also inviting active pigeon fanciers, because breathing in bird dust puts them at higher risk of lung inflammation. Taking part involves simple blood samples, breathing tests, and short questionnaires. By joining, participants help scientists create faster, kinder, and more accurate ways to diagnose and monitor lung conditions across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

NHS Tayside

Enrolment target

750

Start

17 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

15 Jan 2036

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)

What is this study about?

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad term for conditions that cause stiffness, inflammation, or scarring in deep lung tissue. This makes it harder for oxygen to pass into the blood, leading to breathlessness and a persistent cough. At present, doctors cannot easily predict how quickly the illness will progress in each individual, which makes planning long-term care difficult.

This study aims to discover whether new, simple tests can solve this problem. Researchers are testing non-invasive methods, focusing on blood samples and breath tests. They want to find out if these checks can spot lung injury early and predict when a patient might need hospital care or changes to their medication.

The project is studying two groups of people: those already living with ILD, and active pigeon fanciers. Pigeon fanciers are at a higher risk of developing a specific form of ILD caused by an allergic reaction to bird droppings and feathers. Studying both groups gives scientists a clearer picture of how lung changes start and how they develop over time.

By testing these new techniques, researchers hope to remove guesswork from lung diagnoses. In the future, this could allow doctors across the NHS to choose the right treatments sooner, improving the quality of life for thousands of people with lung disease.

Key takeaways

Researchers are testing simple blood and breath checks to diagnose and track interstitial lung disease.
The study aims to help doctors predict when a person's lung condition might worsen.
Open to adults aged 18 to 90 who have ILD or who actively keep and breed pigeons.
Taking part involves giving blood and breath samples, plus occasional questionnaires.
The study does not involve testing any new drugs and will not interrupt your usual medical care.

Who may be eligible?

You may be eligible to take part if you are between 18 and 90 years old and either have a confirmed diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) or are an active pigeon fancier.

The study welcomes people who have recently been diagnosed with ILD, as well as those who have recently spent time in hospital because of their lung condition.

You will not be able to join if you cannot safely complete the breathing or blood tests, or if you are unable to give fully informed consent to take part.

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.

I am between 18 and 90 years old.
I have been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD) OR I am an active pigeon fancier.
I am able to give a blood sample and perform a routine breathing test.
I can give my own informed consent to join the study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part is designed to be straightforward and will not change your routine NHS treatment. If you are a pigeon fancier, you will be invited to give a blood sample, perform a standard breathing test, and fill out a short health questionnaire, often at pigeon racing events or clinics. The study team will then stay in touch once a year to check on your general lung health.

If you already have ILD, you will be asked to provide a blood sample, do a breathing test, or both during your clinic or hospital visits. No new or experimental medicines are tested in this study. The overall research project runs until 2036, but your personal involvement mainly involves these short test sessions and routine annual check-ins.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not improve your personal health directly, but the information collected will help doctors develop better ways to detect and treat lung diseases for future patients. The physical risks are very low. Giving a blood sample can cause slight bruising, tenderness, or brief dizziness. Hard breathing tests can sometimes make people feel lightheaded, but you will be seated safely and guided by trained healthcare staff at all times. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Perth Royal Infirmary
Approximate
Perth, Scotland
Ninewells Hospital
Approximate
Dundee, Scotland
Show of the Year
City only
Blackpool, England

Common questions

Why are pigeon fanciers invited to join this study?

Pigeon fanciers regularly breathe in tiny dust particles from bird feathers and droppings. Over time, this can trigger an immune reaction known as 'bird fancier's lung', a form of ILD. Studying this group helps researchers understand how lung inflammation begins.

Will taking part change my usual lung treatments?

No. This study only evaluates new diagnostic tests. You will continue to take all your usual medications and follow your normal NHS treatment plan.

What happens during the breathing test?

You will be asked to blow into a mouthpiece connected to a machine that measures how well your lungs take in air. You will sit comfortably, and a trained member of staff will guide you through each step.

Do I have to travel to NHS Tayside to participate?

Not necessarily. Recruitment events for pigeon fanciers may take place outside the hospital, and local patients can often complete tests during their planned appointments. Contact the study team to find out what options are near you.

What happens if I change my mind after joining?

You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Withdrawing will not affect your standard NHS treatment or your relationship with your doctor.

How to find out more

Mark Spears

mark.spears@nhs.scot +44 (0)1738 473734 Official trial record

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