[Functional diagnosis of bronchospasm]

The main theories concerning the pathogenesis of bronchospasm are cited and reference on is made to the part played by the respiratory physiopathology laboratory with respect to past or present patients with this symptom. Attention is then directed to the action of bronchodilatatory substances in the resolution of a proven state of bronchospasm. Administration modalities, techniques, parameters, and percent improvements considered as significant in the light of the literature data and personal experience are illustrated. Bronchoprovocation tests are briefly reviewed. These are divided into aspecific and specific, according to the mediator employed. The first group involve the action of distilled water, physical effort, F2alpha prostaglandins, acetylcholine, and propranolol. The second, which are much more delicate, less certain in their meaning, and not entirely risk-free, offer information of a general nature and impose the need for due care in their practical application.