Bronchopulmonary Challenge

Quick Links: Pulmonary Function Testing Basic Spirometry Complete Pulmonary Function Testing Diffusion Capacity of Carbon Monoxide Exercise Physiology or Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPX)

Bronchospasm is not always directly evident with standard testing procedures. Should be used when there is a suspicion of asthma or exercised induced asthma (EIA) and spirometry is normal. Bronchopulmonary Challenge should always be ordered as outpatient when the patient is well.

Methacholine Challenge:

• Chemical induction of a bronchospasm under controlled conditions
• Baseline spirometry performed prior to challenge
• Highly controlled, progressive dose of Methacholine administered with subsequent spirometric testing
• Test is terminated at maximum dose or at a point when FEV1 or FVC is diminished by 20% or greater.
• Patient is returned to baseline with use of bronchodilator therapy after testing session