Premium
Inhalation challenge tests in asthma: an assessment of spirometry, maximum expiratory flow rates and plethysmography in measuring the responses
Author(s) -
HAYDU S. P.,
EMPEY D. W.,
HUGHES D. T. D.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2222.1974.tb01398.x
Subject(s) - spirometry , plethysmograph , medicine , inhalation , asthma , anesthesia , cardiology
Summary The use of different tests of airways obstruction to measure responses to inhalation of antigen by twenty‐five asthmatic patients is described. On all occasions but one, when there were symptoms there was a significant fall in either vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 )or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). In no case without symptoms was there a significant fall in maximum expiratory flow rates, specific conductance or spirometric tests. It is unlikely that the use of maximum expiratory flow curves or plethysmography have any advantages over spirometry or peak expiratory flow rate in recording reaction to inhalation challenge perse, though they may show greater per cent changes from the initial value than these simpler tests. The possible reasons for this are discussed.