Bronchial inhalation tests. I. Measurement of nonallergic bronchial responsiveness.

Bronchial inhalation test with histamine or methacholine are useful to measure the presence and degree of nonallergic bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a ubiquitous feature of current symptomatic asthma. Tests must be well standardized so that the test is reproducible and the results can be interpreted and compared with other investigators. The tests are safe and relatively simple to perform. Histamine and methacholine tests are useful in the diagnosis of asthma, in the assessment of its severity, in the diagnosis and follow-up of occupational asthma, and in the monitoring of various asthma treatments. It is suggested that a well standardized histamine or methacholine inhalation test should be available in all major pulmonary function laboratories.