The pharmacology of aerosolized airway challenge.
Clinicians who perform and interpret airway challenge tests must understand the pharmacology involved. This knowledge helps one appreciate the need for certain procedures and the importance of proper technique. Methacholine and histamine are the most commonly used airway challenge agents. The authors review the pharmacology of methacholine and histamine airway challenge testing and discuss issues regarding the performance and interpretation of an airway challenge test.
Wagers
S S
SS
Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington 05446, USA. Scott.Wagers@vtmednet.org
Irvin
C G
CG
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016085:Bronchoconstrictor Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D006632:Histamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D016210:Methacholine Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology
D000336:Aerosols; D016085:Bronchoconstrictor Agents; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D006632:Histamine