The methacholine challenge is a safe breathing test that is helpful in determining the extent airway reactivity.
This test is ordered for patients who have normal pulmonary function tests, yet have the following symptoms or conditions:
You will be asked to inhale a varying amount of an agent called methacholine.
No. Patients have commented in the past that the taste reminds them of the Chloraseptic throat spray.
Yes, you may eat a light meal 2 hours before your test.
his is a completely safe test. However, some patients may experience a subtle cough or experience mild shortness of breath. Once the testing ends, you will receive nebulized albuterol to quickly reverse the effect of the Methacholine.
No. The Methacholine is not injected, it is inhaled.
Strict adherence to withholding certain medications is an important part of this test.
Rescue Inhalers - 24 hours prior to test
Albuterol (Proair, Ventolin, Proventil)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
Ipratropium (Atrovent)
Epinephrine (Primatene mist)
Combivent, Duoneb
Leukotriene inhibitors - 48 hours prior to test
Montelukast (Singulair)
Zafirlukast (Accolate)
Long-acting Bronchodilators - 48 hours prior to test
Salmeterol (Serevent)
Formoterol (Foradil, Performist)
Arformoterol (Brovana)
Theophyline - 48 hours prior to test
Theophyline
Antihistamines/Decongestants - 72 hours prior to test
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
Chlorpheniramine/ Pseudoephedrine (and other decongestants)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl like meds)
Long-acting Inhalers - 1 week prior to test
Tiotropium (Spiriva)
Azelastine (astelin)
Umeclidinium and vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta)
Umeclidinium (Incruse)
Aclidinium bromide (Turdoza)
Glycopyrronium (Seebri)
Inhaled Corticosteroids - 2 weeks prior to test
Advair
Dulera
Symbicort
Breo Ellipta
Beclomethasone (Qvar and Beconase)
Fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst, Flovent)
Mometasone (Nasonex, Asmanex)
Budesonide (Pulmicort, Rhinocort)
Triamcinolone (Azmacort, Nasocort)
Flunisolide (Aerobid, Nasarel)
Ciclesonide (Alvesco)
Dymista
Oral Glucocorticoids
Prednisone
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Please inform us prior to your testing day so we can provide you with more specific instructions.
Caffeine - 24 hours prior to test.
Coffee and tea (decaffeinated and caffeinated)
Chocolate
Cocoa
Soda
Any supplements or medicine that may contain caffeine