Biphasic reaction after inhalation of Haemophilus influenzae in patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease.

In patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease (CNSLD), who had precipitins against Haemophilus influenzae (HI), a biphasic bronchial obstructive reaction is described after inhalation of killed HI bacteria. There was an early obstructive reaction, occurring immediately after the inhalation and lasting for 1 hr, followed by a late reaction, which started 5-6 hr after the inhalation and lasted for about 8 hr. The late reaction was accompanied by fever, malaise and leucocytosis. The difference in reaction after HI inhalation in five patients and two controls, and the effect of protection with sodium cromoglycate and prednisolone are discussed.