Negative methacholine challenge tests in subjects who report physician-diagnosed asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The frequency of adults reporting a history of asthma is rising. However, it is unclear whether this increased prevalence accurately demonstrates a rising trend or if it reflects an overall increase in asthma awareness.

Objective

To determine the frequency of negative methacholine bronchoprovocation tests in adults who report physician-diagnosed asthma and to explore the clinical characteristics of subjects with negative tests.

Methods

Data from methacholine challenge, spirometry, and physician assessment were analysed from 304 adults who reported physician-diagnosed asthma and responded to community-based advertising for asthma research studies. The clinical characteristics of methacholine-positive and -negative subjects were compared and a predictive mode

SUBMITTER: McGrath KW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3059141 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature