Recruiting

How the Gut and Lungs Talk to Each Other in Children

Plain-English translation of NCT06271213 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2024 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers are investigating a theory called the 'gut-lung axis'—the idea that the bacteria living in your child's gut and lungs communicate with each other and may influence each other's health. This study will collect samples from children with respiratory issues, digestive issues, and healthy children to see if there are patterns in how these two systems connect. By understanding these connections, doctors hope to develop better treatments for childhood asthma and other breathing problems.

Recent research hints that the gut and lungs are connected, and changes in gut bacteria may affect breathing health—but this hasn't been carefully studied in children yet. This trial aims to fill that gap by looking at samples from different groups of children to understand exactly how these two systems talk to each other.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

your child is between birth and 16 years old
your child is scheduled for a procedure at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow (such as a bronchoscopy, endoscopy, or orthopedic surgery) or is being seen in the respiratory department
your child has been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, digestive disorder, or asthma—or has no active breathing or digestive problems
your child and family are English-speaking and able to provide informed consent

You likely don't qualify if…

your child has taken antibiotics in the past month (or is starting them before the study visit)
your child is 17 years old or older
your child has or has been exposed to HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
your child is currently receiving biologic therapy for asthma (unless they are being enrolled through a bronchoscopy procedure)

What participation looks like

If your child is selected, you'll provide samples—such as stool, saliva, or samples collected during a scheduled medical procedure—along with a blood sample. Your family will also complete a health questionnaire and provide information about your child's diet and medical history. The study involves a single visit or is integrated into a procedure your child is already having, so there are no additional hospital visits required beyond what's already planned for their medical care.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

How the Gut and Lungs Talk to Each Other in Children

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)