Patient Procedures

• METHACHOLINE INHALATION CHALLENGE: This test is one of the most widely utilized bronchial challenges and is performed to determine if a patient will react with asthma symptoms when challenged. The test is painless and consists of a series of breathing treatments and blowing tests.

The patient will inhale small amounts of a medication mist called methacholine. Each inhalation treatment is followed by a brief physical exam (listening to the lungs) and a blowing test (also called spirometry). If asthma symptoms are seen during this challenge, then the diagnosis of asthma is confirmed. If asthma symptoms are seen, these symptoms will be treated and reversed immediately. Although the goal of the test is to demonstrate asthma, the symptoms seen are usually very mild and do not persist and are not dangerous. This test will show airway hyperresponsiveness which is one of the hallmark features of asthma. Methacholine challenge testing may also be an appropriate way to evaluate the possibility of occupational asthma. Finally, the methacholine challenge may be a test that is required of someone wanting to enter a branch of the armed forces but has a history of lower respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

• IMMUNOTHERAPY (Allergy Injections): Individual patients can be immunized or desensitized to most inhaled aeroallergens that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Immunotherapy is relatively painless as it involves only a subcutaneous injection (injected into the layer of fat under the skin, not into the muscle).

Initially, allergy skin testing will be performed. The results of this testing will be the basis for deciding which allergens are included in your individualized immunotherapy protocol. Food allergens are NOT included in allergy injections due to the possibility of causing anaphylaxis. Immunotherapy regimens are usually prescribed for three to five years in duration in order to provide maximum improvement with symptoms. If you have more questions, be sure to speak with your doctor or any of our staff members.

• ALLERGY SKIN TESTS: These tests involve very gentle scratching or pricking of the superfical layer of the skin with purified allergenic extracts and then observation for signs of a local reaction on the skin.

A local reaction might consist of a small hive at the site of the scratch. For certain patients we may need to complete a secondary skin test also known as intradermal testing. This testing involves injecting a small amount of purified allergenic extract under the skin with a very small needle. Positive reactions can determine probability of sensitivity to such items as pollen, animal dander, common mold, house dust, latex, or a variety of common foods. This type of skin testing provokes an immediate-type reaction which is mediated by IgE antibodies and helps in the diagnosis of common ailments such as hay fever and food allergies. This type of skin testing is more sensitive and specific than other forms of testing, as well as less expensive and easier to use.