Sauna therapy could slash antibiotic use in chronic lung disease
NCT ID NCT05351242
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether frequent sauna baths can reduce or eliminate bacteria that cause stubborn lung infections in people with conditions like COPD, asthma, or bronchiectasis. Researchers will track how long participants go without needing antibiotics and whether the bacteria are cleared. The trial aims to enroll 150 adults who have had repeated positive cultures for certain bacteria despite antibiotic treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- sauna bath (thermotherapy)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to reduce lung infections and antibiotic use in people with chronic lung diseases.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with no prior strong evidence. The sauna regimen may be hard to follow, and results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 150 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Competent and capable * FEV1\>1,0 L * Have had a positive culture from sputum or BAL min. 2 times in the last 24 months for bacteria of the species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Klebsiella oxytoca or Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, min. 1 positive culture after treatment with antibiotics * Willing to go to a sauna (min. temperature of 85℃ for at least 7 minutes) four times weekly for six months or avoid going to a sauna for six months Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to lidocaine and/or midazolam * Contraindications to bronchoscopy * Previous severe laryngospasm (intubation requiring) * Pregnancy/breastfeeding * Severe linguistic problems or inability to give informed consent * Severe mental illness that is not controlled with medication. NB: Patients with controlled mental illness can be included and will be asked on an equal footing as others
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Herlev and Gentofte University hospital
Hellerup, Capital Region, 2900, Denmark
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