Methacholine provocation test

The nonallergic airway responsiveness is generally measured with inhalation provocation tests with either histamine or methacholine. This relationship is strong enough that the dose of allergen required to produce a target EAR can be predicted, albeit crudely, by measurement of skin test endpoint (related to the level of allergen-specific IgE) and the provocation concentration of hista-... 

Inhaled aerosols are widely used in diagnosis of lung disease for example, as nonspecific provocation tests with histamine and methacholine and specific provocation tests for different allergens. Comparison of data between research centers is hampered by differences in the methods used. Aerosols of hypertonic saline have been used in induction of sputum for test of bronchial responsiveness (3-5). Analysis of sputum samples seems to be an interesting possibility as an alternative to bronchoalveolar lavage. 

Asthma Nonspeciflc provocation test Speeiflc provoeation test Histamine or methacholine Occupational and environmental allergens... 

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