Studying Airway Injury and Remodeling in Adults with Long-Lasting Chronic Cough Using Chest CT and Bronchoscopy to Understand Airway Changes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether chronic cough lasting longer than 12 months causes injury and remodeling of the airways. The study focuses on patients with refractory chronic cough who have not responded to previous treatments. It aims to analyze airway inflammation, damage, and remodeling through various biological and imaging assessments to better understand the relationship between cough severity, duration, and airway changes. Participants will undergo chest computed tomography CT scans and bronchoscopy when clinically indicated to evaluate airway remodeling and injury. Biological samples from the lower airways, including bronchial biopsy specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, will be collected to assess inflammation and epithelial damage. The study plans to enroll 40 non-smoking adults aged 18 to 75 years with chronic cough lasting more than 12 months. During the study, detailed diagnostics will be performed to determine the cause of cough. Researchers will measure biomarkers of inflammation in blood and lavage fluid, analyze chest CT images for remodeling features, and assess epithelial injury in bronchial biopsy samples. The main outcomes include severity of epithelial damage and airway inflammation. Participation involves clinical assessments, imaging, biopsies, and sample collection over the study period ending in August 2026.

Remodelling of the Lower Airways in Chronic Cough