[Bronchial antigen provocation tests with the use of whole body plethysmography]

Bronchial provocation tests are performed in order to reproduce the symptoms of extrinsic bronchial asthma. The bronchial obstruction induced hereby can be demonstrated by plethysmographic measurement of specific airway resistance, which is superior to spirometric parameters with regard to sensitivity and effort independence. A rise of specific airway resistance above 20 cmH2O X sec ("dyspnoea threshhold") can be used as the criterium of a positive result. In contrast to forced expiratory manoeuvres no spirometry induced asthma can occur. Automatic evaluation by electronic data processing is possible.