NCT05888597

Efficacy of L-menthol on Breathlessness in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Effect of L-menthol on Breathlessness and Exercise Capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a Randomized

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (actual)
• Sponsor: Region Skane · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of L-menthol on breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Detailed description

Breathelssness (Dyspnea) is a cardinal symptom in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often triggered by daily-life physical activities. Despite optimal treatment of the underlying disease, many patients still suffer from chronic and disabling dyspnea for many years, leading to exercise intolerance, and worse morbidity and mortality. To date, an effective pharmacologic treatment to relieve chronic dyspnea is lacking. Recent pilot data support that inhaled L-menthol can markedly decrease laboratory-induced dyspnea in COPD patients, likely through increased afferent feedback of airflow in the airways by inducing a cooling sensation through olfactory stimulation. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the effectiveness and mechanisms of inhaled menthol for relief of chronic dyspnea in patients with COPD.

Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	L-menthol	(Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, US)
OTHER	Placebo	Strawberry scent (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, US)

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-05-24
• Primary completion: 2025-04-30
• Completion: 2025-04-30
• First posted: 2023-06-05
• Last updated: 2025-12-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Sweden