New Tests to Assess Lung Function

Abstract

THE etiologic use of allergen inhalation tests discussed here is based largely on our own experience at the Brompton Hospital. Some workers also use inhalation tests as a diagnostic aid to distinguish asthma from other forms of bronchial disease by its greater reactivity to pharmacodynamic agents such as histamine and acetylcholine. A direct relation between this reactivity and the degree of Type 1, IgE-mediated, allergy has been reported.¹ There is controversy over their use because of potential hazards. Their ethical justification, however, is based on the primary objective of the clinician to identify causal agents capable of eliciting asthmatic reactions . . .