ToAST:Investigating the Effect of Bronchial Thermoplasty on Cough in Patients With Severe Asthma

Exclusion Criteria

• •Unable to give informed consent
• •FEV1\<50% predicted or \< 1 litre
• •Known allergy or intolerance to capsaicin
• •Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in the last 1 month which have not resolved.
• •Lower respiratory tract infection or pneumonia in the last 6 weeks.
• •Current smoker or ex-smoker with ≥10 pack year smoking history, abstinence of ≤6 months
• •Asthma exacerbation in the previous month requiring an increase or starting of an ICS or OCS
• •Subject has changed asthma medication within the past 4 weeks prior to screening
• •A previous asthma exacerbation requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission.
• •Significant other pulmonary disorders as the major diagnosis, in particular: pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, emphysema or bronchiectasis.
• •Evidence of vocal cord dysfunction
• •Pregnancy or breast-feeding
• •Use of ACE inhibitors
• •Any centrally acting medication which in the view of the investigator could alter the sensitivity of the cough reflex\*
• •History of psychiatric illness, drug or alcohol abuse which may interfere in the participation of the trial.