The effect of beta-blockers on ventilatory function in chronic bronchitis

The effect of propranolol and atenolol on air-flow obstruction in patients with chronic bronchitis was evaluated by means of a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. Fifteen patients with chronic bronchitis and mild air-flow obstruction, in whom there was no clinical suggestion of asthma, were studied. Two patients developed symptomatic increases in air-flow obstruction on propranolol and were withdrawn from the study. A symptomatically insignificant but statistically significant increase in air-flow obstruction was observed during treatment with both propranolol and atenolol.