[The pertinence of bronchial provocation tests to allergens]

The contribution and the relevance of bronchial provocation tests to allergens have been evaluated in the realm of clinical research and in the diagnosis of the aetiology of asthma. These tests enable the recognition or to confirm the role of certain allergens in asthma, as well as to study the delayed reaction which occurs in some cases after the inhalation of an allergen as well as the relations existing between HRBNS and bronchial provocation tests to allergens. They also can show the preventative action of certain drugs on the immediate and/or delayed reaction induced by allergens. The methodology of bronchial provocation tests to allergens, notably their variability and their reproductibility, as well as the initial and maximal inhaled doses that can be realistically used, are discussed. The final point touched upon concerns the justification of bronchial provocation tests to allergens in the aetiological diagnosis of asthma. The indications of these tests have been restricted, they seen nonetheless always to be of interest in cases of discordance with the clinical history, cutaneous tests and/or measures of specific serum IgE.