Predominantly unilateral asthma studied with 133Xe-radiospirometry.
Regional lung function in the supine position was studied with 133Xe-radiospirometry in 10 asthmatic subjects in remission, before and after inhalation of specific allergens in the right lateral decubitus position. Regional ventilation and regional lung volume showed a significant decrease in the right lung. The decrease in ventilation was most pronounced in the diaphragmatic half of the lung. The regional perfusion of the right lung decreased less than the ventilation. The change in perfusion, however, became greater with time, whereas the decrease in ventilation remained the same as shortly after the provocation. Predominantly regional asthma could thus be provoked in the regions that receive most of the allergen in the right lateral position. The asthma was easily controlled and caused little discomfort.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D005652:Functional Residual Capacity; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D011652:Pulmonary Circulation; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012119:Respiration; D013147:Spirometry; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity; D014980:Xenon Radioisotopes
D000485:Allergens; D014980:Xenon Radioisotopes