NCT07398287

Efficacy of L-menthol on Breathlessness in Interstitial Lung Disease

Effect of L-menthol on Breathlessness and Exercise Capacity in Interstitial Lung Disease: a Randomized Crossover Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• 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 and exercise capacity in patients with Interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Detailed description

Dyspnea is a cardinal symptom in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), often triggered by daily-life physical activities. 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 ILD 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 ILD.

Conditions

• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Interventions

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

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-15
• Primary completion: 2027-02-01
• Completion: 2027-05-01
• First posted: 2026-02-09
• Last updated: 2026-02-09

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: Sweden