30 April 1999
Application of nonspecific bronchial challenge tests-when, how and why?
Jerzy Mosiewicz, Wojciech Myśliński, Maria Jaszyna, Janusz HanzlikMed Sci Monit 1999; 5(3): RA591-595 :: ID: 505069
Abstract
A term 'bronchial hyperreactivity' refers to abnormally strong bronchospasm caused by many various factors that in normal conditions are not able to produce such response. In practice the assessment of bronchial reactivity is based on bronchial challenge tests. The aim of our study is to present currently used bronchial provocation tests, consisted of assessment of initial pulmonary function parameters, administration of a bronchospastic challenging agent, measurement and interpretation of observed changes. Histamine and methacholine are the most commonly used provocation agents. Safety, usefulness, nonallergenic activity of these agents allows obtained results to be repeatable. Bronchial provocation tests may be used to confirm existing bronchial hyperreactivity but also to evaluate 'severity' of asthma and its response to pharmacological treatment. Positive tests correspond with diagnosis of asthma but have less diagnostic value because they can also be positive in several other diseases such as e.g. COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, viral respiratory tract infections, heart failure or reflux oesophagitis. Provocation tests are particularly important in cases of bronchial asthma clinically manifested by cough without wheezing and flow limitation syndrome. Properly performed bronchial provocation tests are safe. Relative contraindications may be diagnosed: history of unexplained urticaria or Quincke's edema, severe airflow obstruction, unstable angina and pregnancy. If initial results of spirometry are normal, bronchospasm will spontaneously regress within 30-45 min. or even within 5 min. after administration of bronchodilators. Symptoms including cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, sore throat, excessive salivation, headache and dizziness are usually mild and last for several minutes.
Keywords: methacholine, Asthma, Bronchial Hyperreactivity
742 0
Editorial
01 December 2023 : Editorial
Editorial: Outbreaks of Post-Pandemic Childhood Pneumonia and the Re-Emergence of Endemic Respiratory InfectionsDOI: 10.12659/MSM.943312
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e943312
In Press
08 Dec 2023 : Clinical Research
Association Between Influenza Vaccine Uptake and Health Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based St...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
04 Dec 2023 : Animal Research
Effects of Intrathecal Ketamine on Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Mech...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
01 Dec 2023 : Clinical Research
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Retrospective St...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
30 Nov 2023 : Review article
Decoding the Neurological Sequelae of General Anesthesia: A ReviewMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
Most Viewed Current Articles
13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788
30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research
Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
08 Mar 2022 : Review article
A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292