A Comparison of Two Nebulisers for Sputum Induction
A Comparison of Two Nebulisers for Sputum Induction
Sputum induction is considered a relatively non-invasive, reliable procedure, which can be
 utilised to characterise the inflammatory profile of the airways.

 However, the procedure can be slightly uncomfortable for patients. This study aims to assess
 the differences in participants' tolerability of sputum induction, by comparing two different
 nebulisers when performing the procedure.
This is a single centre, crossover study to compare the use of two nebulisers in the sputum
 induction procedure. 54 participants with stable asthma or COPD will be recruited and will
 attend 2 visits, at least 48 hours apart. Differences in the quality and quantity of samples
 and the time taken to produce a sample will be described. The main purpose is to explore the
 optimum device to perform the procedure, whilst protecting the safety of participants and
 maximising their comfort.

 If participants are unable to produce a sputum sample after completion of the induction
 procedure, physiotherapy techniques may be performed. This is an exploratory objective to
 establish whether these techniques may help in the event of unsuccessful procedures.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Have an ability to provide fully informed consent.

 -  Have a diagnosis of asthma or COPD.

 -  Male or female.

 -  Age between 18 to 75 years.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Have a post bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second of less than 1
 litre or less than 50 percent of the predicted value.

 -  Have an exacerbation of asthma or COPD within the 30 days prior to the first visit.

 -  Have a history or current evidence of an upper or lower respiratory infection, within
 the 30 days prior to the first visit.

 -  Have any other clinically significant medical disease or uncontrolled concomitant
 disease, that is likely, in the opinion of the investigators to impact on the ability
 to participate in the study.