A methacholine challenge is a test that includes spirometry (or the measurement
of lung capacity), spirometry repeated after increasing doses of inhaled methacholine
and spirometry repeated after a bronchodilator.
Patients should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled test and check in with
St. Rita's Cardiopulmonary Department. This area is located on the second floor
of the Medical Center to the left of the main elevators.
Prior to the methacholine challenge, patients should know the following:
- Do Not Use the Following Inhalers for at least Four to Six Hours
Before the Test:
- Albuterol
- Proventil
- Ventolin
- Alupent
- Maxair
- Brethaire
- Atrovent
- Combivent
- Do Not Use Serevent or Advair Inhalers for at least 12 Hours
Before the Test. (If you are unable to go this amount of time without your
inhaler, please make a note of the last time you
used it.)
- No Caffeine (Coffee, Cola, Tea or Chocolate) for at least Six
Hours Before the Test
- No Smoking or Alcohol the Day of the Test
- You May Eat a Light Meal Before the Test if You Choose
- Avoid Cold Air Exposure and Exercise if Possible
This test may take up to 90 minutes to complete. While wearing nose clips
and a mouthpiece, the patient will perform a simple spirometry test. Increasing
doses of an inhaled methacholine will be given using a calibrated dosimeter,
repeating the spirometry after each dose. If needed a bronchodilator medication
may be given to reverse the effects of the methacholine.
A specially trained physician will interpret the test within 24 hours and
send the results to the referring physician.
