The bronchial challenge test: a new direction in asthmatic management

J Natl Med Assoc. 1983 Feb;75(2):199-204.

Abstract

BRONCHIAL ASTHMA CAN BE DIAGNOSED WHEN A PATIENT DEVELOPS THE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF BRONCHIAL REACTIVITY: wheezing, cough, tachypnea, and dyspnea. Occasionally, despite immunotherapy, bronchodilator therapy, and avoidance of the provocative factors, some asthmatic patients do not respond to treatment. Bronchial inhalation challenge, a method to test airway reactivity after inhalation of a nonspecific drug, can be used to plan and assess different modes of treatment, as well as screen for bronchial hyperreactivity in an occupational setting.

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Bronchial Provocation Tests / methods*
  • Histamine
  • Humans
  • Methacholine Compounds

Substances

  • Methacholine Compounds
  • Histamine