Simple models of pharmacological protection against induced bronchial obstruction

The authors assessed the action of drugs against bronchial obstruction induced by inhalation of pollen allergen in 54 patients during the symptom-free period of bronchial asthma. Protection against pollen allergen was provided by disodium cromoglycate (Intal-nasal)--20 mg--in 96% of patients (P less than 0.001), by beclomethasone dipropionate (Becotide)--400 microgram--only in 17% of the investigated subjects (effect is not statistically significant) and by the antihistamine preparation Dithiaden administered by the i. v. route, 1 mg, in 46% of the patients (P less than 0.01). The authors made a detailed statistical analysis and discuss the causes of different results as regards the protective action of the investigated drugs.