RESPONSE TO INHALED HISTAMINE IN BRONCHIAL ASTHMA AND IN BYSSINOSIS

Abstract

The clinical symptoms of byssinosis are similar to those of bronchial asthma. Hypersensitivity to inhaled histamine is a common finding in bronchial asthma; such a hypersensitivity is not a regular finding in byssinosis. The interpretation of histamine inhalation tests in patients with obstructive respiratory disease is discussed and some of its difficulties pointed out. A conclusion with regard to smooth muscle sensitivity to an inhaled agent can be conclusively made only if there was no obstructive ventilatory defect prior to inhalation of the agent.