[Gas transfer in nonspecific inhalation provocation]

In 37 patients with clinically suspected non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity, a comparative study was performed prior to and following bronchial challenge with histamine employing the following parameters: flow-volume curve, whole-body plethysmography, single-breath spirometry, capillary blood gas analysis. Four types of reaction can be distinguished: isolated bronchial reaction, isolated gas transfer disturbance, dual reaction, no reaction. A Correlation of the induced gas transfer disturbance was found only for the flow data reflecting small airways dysfunction (Vmax 25%), but not for the basic lung function parameters. The transfer factor and transfer coefficient are insensitive and, on average, show only small, non-directed changes.