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The Effect of Heated, Humidified High‐Flow Air in COPD Patients With Chronic Bronchitis
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The Effect of Heated, Humidified High‐Flow Air in COPD Patients With Chronic Bronchitis

Spyridon Fortis, Eric A Hoffman and Alejandro P Comellas
Pulmonary medicine, Vol.2025(1), 8350741
12/28/2025
DOI: 10.1155/pm/8350741
PMCID: PMC12767465
PMID: 41496867
Appears in  UI Libraries Support Open Access
url
https://doi.org/10.1155/pm/8350741View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Introduction Heated, humidified high‐flow air (HHHFA) has been shown to reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD or bronchiectasis with significant sputum production. This pilot study evaluated the short‐term effects of nocturnal HHHFA in COPD patients with chronic bronchitis. Methods This was a prospective, single‐center, open‐label, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. Participants with COPD, chronic bronchitis, and ≥ 2 exacerbations in the prior year were randomized to either nocturnal HHHFA or usual care. Assessments included sleep quality, dyspnea, quality of life, cough, lung function, imaging, and exercise capacity at baseline and 6 weeks. Results Of 11 eligible participants, seven completed the study (four intervention, three control). Baseline characteristics were generally similar, though the intervention group had a higher BMI and a lower emphysema percentage. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in primary or secondary outcomes. Conclusions Nocturnal HHHFA over 6 weeks did not improve clinical or imaging outcomes in this small cohort of COPD patients with chronic bronchitis. The study was likely underpowered due to recruitment challenges. Larger trials are needed to assess the potential of HHHFA in this population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03959982
 Quality of Life Sleep Apnea Thoracic Surgery Body mass index Bronchitis Bronchodilators Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Clinical outcomes Dyspnea Emphysema Lung diseases Questionnaires Respiratory failure UIOWA OA Agreement

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