Bronchial Provocation Test is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and reactivity of the bronchial tubes in the respiratory system. It is specifically designed to assess the presence and severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, which is a characteristic feature of conditions like asthma.
During a Bronchial Provocation Test, the patient is exposed to a specific irritant or stimulus, such as methacholine, histamine, or exercise, that is known to cause the bronchial tubes to constrict. The test aims to provoke a temporary narrowing of the airways in order to measure the level of responsiveness and to determine if it falls within normal or abnormal limits.
The procedure typically involves the use of spirometry, a device that measures lung function by assessing the volume and flow of inhaled and exhaled air. The patient is asked to inhale increasing doses of the allergen or irritant, and spirometry measurements are taken before and after each inhalation to monitor any changes in lung function.
The results of the Bronchial Provocation Test can help healthcare professionals to diagnose or rule out conditions such as asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, or other respiratory disorders. The severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness may also be assessed, guiding the need for treatment and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions.
It is important to note that the Bronchial Provocation Test should be performed under medical supervision, as it can induce temporary breathing difficulties in susceptible individuals.
