[Reproducibility of bronchial provocative testing in bronchitis (author's transl)]

Bronchial reactivity was examined every 3 month in a follow-up study of 40 subjects mostly showing chronic nonspecific lung disease and all having bronchial hyperreactivity at the beginning of the study. Only 7 of them (17.5%) had constant hyperreactivity for the time of observation. There has been parallelism between test results and complaints in 72% of patients with chronic bronchitis and in 65.2% of the second group (mostly subjects with bronchitis). Seasons had no strong influence on bronchial reactivity. Bronchial provocative testing has proved as a valuabel method for verification of obstructive complaints. The test results shouldn't be interpreted without regarding clinical data. Using as a screening test a more detailed diagnostic and follow-up are necessary to avoid false and premature consequences. As to expert opinions and decisions on compensation the test results can correctly be interpreted only if reproducibility in the single case has been proved and if they are in agreement with the clinical signs and symptoms of the case.