Protocol for a randomised, single-blind, two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial of the efficacy of rhinothermy delivered by nasal high flow therapy in the treatment of the common cold

Bird, Grace; Braithwaite, Irene; Harper, James; McKinstry, Steven; Koorevaar, Iris; Fingleton, James; Semprini, Alex; Dilcher, Meik; Jennings, Lance; Weatherall, Mark; Beasley, Richard

The technical difficulties in delivering heated, humidified air to the upper airways in an efficient and tolerable manner have been overcome with the nasal high flow rhinothermy (rNHF) device manufactured by Fisher and Paykel Healthcare Ltd (Auckland, New Zealand). This device can consistently deliver high-flow humidified air heated to 41°C to the upper airways. The device is well tolerated and acceptable to adults. [16] A recent feasibility study recruited 30 participants with symptoms of the common cold into a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of five days of rNHF therapy or Vitamin C with the main patient reported outcome measure, the Modified Jackson Score. [17] The rNHF therapy delivered 100% humidified air at 35L/min and 41°C for two hours daily. Compared to Vitamin C, rNHF treatment caused a clinically significant five unit reduction in the Modified Jackson Score.