Impact of Chewing Gum on FeNO Levels in Patients With Bronchial Asthma

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Asthma Bronchiale; FeNO; Chewing Gum

• Registration Number: NCT07053956
• Lead Sponsor: RWTH Aachen University

Brief Summary

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of chewing gum consumption on FeNO levels in asthma patients in order to avoid systematic errors in treatment decisions.

Detailed Description

FeNO measurement is a non-invasive, available measure both for the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected bronchial asthma and for therapy management after a confirmed diagnosis. In patients with bronchial asthma, FeNO is a biomarker of airway inflammation. The recommended lower FeNO limits of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) are \< 25 ppb in adults. A significantly elevated FeNO level (≥ 50 ppb), especially in the presence of increased blood eosinophil counts (≥ 300/µl), indicates an increased risk of exacerbation. Furthermore, patients with elevated FeNO levels are generally (inhalative cortison treatment; ICS) responsive. Conversely, elevated FeNO levels (especially FeNO levels \> 50 ppb) during ICS therapy, despite clinical stability, argue against a reduction in the ICS dose.

Elevated FeNO levels during ICS therapy can occur due to poor treatment adherence. However, persistently elevated FeNO levels despite ICS therapy can also indicate inflammation in the airways that does not respond to further increases in the ICS dose. In summary, measuring airway inflammation using FeNO is an important component in the diagnosis and management of asthma.

It is already known that acute tobacco smoke exposure lowers FeNO levels in patients with asthma. Furthermore, FeNO levels are strongly influenced by factors such as infections, stress, or exposure to pollutants. Food containing nitrates (salad, sausage) can increase FeNO levels. Our patients are informed about these known factors so that they can avoid exposure prior to their medical consultation and examination. Conversely, it is suspected that chewing gum, which influences the oral flora, may lower FeNO levels, which would lead to false-negative FeNO levels and thus potentially prevent better diagnosis and treatment of asthma. However, to the best of our knowledge no study has yet examined the influence of chewing gum on FeNO levels.

Hence, the aim of the study is to investigate the influence of chewing gum consumption on FeNO levels in asthma patients in order to avoid systematic errors in treatment decisions.

Patients admitted to our outpatient clinic for bronchial asthma undergo regular FeNO measurements. If the value is ≥ 25 ppb (elevated), the patients are randomized into two groups after obtaining their consent. In the control group, a FeNO measurement is performed again after 15 minutes. In the second group, the FeNO measurement is measured again after 15 minutes of consuming sugar-free, antioxidant-containing chewing gum. The following data are then collected and documented from the patients: age, gender, height, weight, smoking status, current medication, other illnesses, whole body lung function test, and laboratory tests (eosinophils, IgE). Participation in the study will not change the course of the patient's stay in our clinic.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-27
• Status Verified: 2025-07
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-07-10
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-15
• Study Start: 2025-08-01
• Primary Completion: 2026-11-30
• Study Completion: 2026-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

1. have known bronchial asthma with a FeNO level ≥25 ppb at regular medical checkups
2. are of legal age
3. are mentally and physically capable of understanding the significance and scope of the study and obeying the instructions of study personnel
4. are legally competent and have signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Current or past medically relevant illness or treatment that could impact the evaluability of the study.
2. FeNO levels < 25 ppb
3. Medical contraindications to conducting FeNO measurements
4. Expected unwillingness to actively participate in study-related measures.
5. Known allergies or intolerances to the contents of chewing gum
6. Smoking, alcohol consumption, mouthwash use, chewing gum/candy/lettuce/spinach/kale/beetroot/radish/sausage consumption, or exercise on the day of the study.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: FACTORIAL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
FeNO measurement after 15 minutes of consuming sugar-free, antioxidant-containing chewing gum	15 Minutes	FeNO measurement is measured again after 15 minutes of consuming sugar-free, antioxidant-containing chewing gum

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Pneumology and Intensive Care Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital; 🇩🇪 Aachen, NRW, Germany