Phlegm test could finally silence chronic cough in lung patients

NCT ID NCT05086432

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: McMaster University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether analyzing a patient's phlegm can help doctors choose better treatments for chronic cough in interstitial lung disease (ILD). About 120 adults with ILD and daily cough for at least 8 weeks will be randomly assigned to either phlegm-guided treatment or standard care. The goal is to see if this personalized approach reduces coughing frequency and improves quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: sputum-guided management (phlegm test to guide treatment)
What this could lead to: If it works, this approach could provide a more effective way to reduce chronic cough and improve quality of life for people with interstitial lung disease.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage trial (120 participants) testing a strategy rather than a new drug. The benefit may be modest, and not all patients can produce a phlegm sample.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Cough fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis hypersensitivity pneumonitis idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease pneumoconiosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ILD

Contacts and locations

Locations

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
RECRUITING

Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada

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