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
Editorial
01 March 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent β-ThalassemiaDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944204
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204
In Press
18 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Sexual Dysfunction in Women After Tibial Fracture: A Retrospective Comparative StudyMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944136
21 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Potential Value of HSP90α in Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast CancerMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943049
22 Feb 2024 : Review article
Differentiation of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Comprehensive Review of Imaging Techniques and Future ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943168
23 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
A Study of 60 Patients with Low Back Pain to Compare Outcomes Following Magnetotherapy, Ultrasound, Laser, ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943732
Most Viewed Current Articles
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
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
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952