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Evaluating the Feasibility and Reliability of Using Handheld Nebulizers to Conduct Cough Sensitivity Testing With Citric Acid

Who can join

Ages 18 to 89 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy adults at least 18 years of age
* Consent to audio/video recording of the research sessions for research purposes
* Spirometry testing results obtained by study team on same day of first testing session with FEV1/FVC ratio and FEV1 percent predicted values of at least 0.70

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or trying to become pregnant (if capable of becoming pregnant- a urine pregnancy test will be provided onsite and a negative result must be obtained prior to the first testing session)
* Smoking of any substance in the last six months
* Diagnosed or suspected pulmonary disease (e.g., asthma, COPD)
* History of chronic cough
* History of head or neck cancer
* History of neurological disease (e.g., cerebrovascular accident)
* History of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty)
* Current complaint of a voice problem
* Current upper respiratory infection

About the study

Objective cough reflex sensitivity testing is typically restricted to specialized research laboratories due to reliance on expensive dosimeter-controlled aerosol delivery systems. This study evaluates the feasibility and reliability of a low-cost alternative method using a handheld nebulizer for citric acid cough challenge testing. Healthy adult participants will complete cough reflex sensitivity testing using both a standard dosimeter-controlled nebulizer system (Cosmed QuarkSpiro) and a handheld nebulizer (DeVilbiss 45). The study will compare cough threshold outcomes between methods to determine whether handheld nebulizer-based testing produces comparable and reproducible measurements.

What is being tested

• Cosmed QuarkSpiro Dosimeter-Controlled Nebulizer (device)
• DeVilbiss 45 Handheld Nebulizer (device)

Sponsor: University of Montana · Participants: 10 · Started: Jul 15, 2026

Contact the study team

• Jane E Salois, PhD · Phone: 406-243-2138
• Laurie J Slovarp, PhD · Phone: 406-243-2107

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07531901

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.