Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Topic Contents
Challenge Tests for Asthma
Overview
Exercise challenge and inhalation challenge tests are sometimes used to diagnose asthma and workplace asthma (occupational asthma).
Exercise challenge test
In an exercise challenge test, spirometry is done before and after you exercise on a treadmill or an exercise bicycle. Spirometry measures how much and how quickly you can breathe air in and out. An exercise challenge test can see what effect exercise has on airflow.
Most people with asthma have some decreased airflow during or after exercise. But most people who have asthma do not need an exercise challenge test.
Inhalation challenge test
An inhalation challenge test measures how much and how quickly you can breathe air in and out before and after taking medicine. Spirometry may be done before and after you are given an inhaled medicine, such as methacholine or histamine, or after breathing cold air. The test may be repeated for different doses of the medicine.
An inhalation challenge test is rarely needed to diagnose asthma. But it may be used to:
- See whether the tubes that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes) overreact to breathing cold air or to inhaling methacholine or histamine. This may support a diagnosis of asthma.
- Document that asthma is present when the diagnosis is unclear based on medical history, physical exam, and initial treatment.
You may also have a specific inhalation challenge. In this test, your doctor exposes you to a small amount of the material that may be causing your symptoms and then measures your lung function.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.