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The Broncho Pulmonary Challenge (sometimes referred to as a Methacholine Challenge) is a very special form of pulmonary function test (see Pulmonary Function Testing). This test can only be ordered after Pulmonary Function Testing.
The amount and the speed of the air in and out of your lungs are assessed during this test. You will be given a special chemical to inhale as your lungs are assessed.
The special chemical (Methacholine) is administered in doses ordered by your physician to assess the amount of reaction the tiny muscles in your airways have to the "challenge" of this chemical.
The physician is able to get important data on the reactivity of your airways and may well be able to assess what causes you to wheeze and how to effectively treat breathing problems.
At the end of the test, you will be given a form of bronchodilator, which will reverse any changes the challenge has made to your breathing.
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