Pulmonary Function Tests Flashcards
1
Q
what pulmonary function test may be used in the initial diagnosis of asthma?
A
spirometry
2
Q
what is a bronchial provacation test?
A
uses histamine, methacholine (a stable analogue of acetylcholine) or exposure to a nonpharmacologic agent like cold air to cause bronchoconstriction
3
Q
what is methacholine?
A
is a cholinergic agonist that mimics the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system and causes bronchoconstriction
4
Q
how is airway obstruction assessed?
A
following bronchial provacation using baseline and post beta-agonist measurements of FVC, FEV1, the ratio of FEV1 over FVC, and forced mid-expiratory flow 25 to 75%
5
Q
when is reversible airway obstruction confirmed?
A
when post challenge data shows a 12% or greater improvement in FEV1 or FVC
