[Effect of ketotifen, nedocromil sodium and budesonide on non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine in patients with asthma].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ketotifen, nedocromil sodium and budesonide on non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients. The study was performed on a group of 40 patients treated with these drugs for a period of 4-12 weeks. Bronchial provocation with histamine was carried out in all patients before and after therapy. In subjects receiving ketotifen an additional provocation test was performed 3 days and 4 weeks after commencement of treatment. The results showed that drugs inhibiting the release of mediators from mast cells or diminishing the late phase of bronchial allergic reaction significantly reduce non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity.