Abstract

ABSTRACT: Bronchoprovocational challenge techniques are useful clinical and research tools for evaluating airway hyperreactivity. Not only are they useful in guiding management of patients with asthma, but also are commonly used to assess the efficacy of bronchodilating agents. The mechanisms involved in the development of bronchoconstriction are poorly defined, but continued work with challenge procedures may increase our understanding of the factors responsible for asthma. This paper will review some of the challenge techniques currently in use and outline the usefulness and limitations of these procedures.