Airflow obstruction in asthma induced by inhalation of small minimum doses of allergen

Abstract

Summary In order to define allergen‐induced bronchial responses, sixteen asthmatics, assessed as mild (twelve cases) and moderate (four cases) were tested by inhalation of small doses of house dust allergen. The minimum dose was first determined in each patient. It caused no abnormal respiratory sensation, while a fall of V̇max50 air with no change or slight decrease of V̇max50 He‐O2 and a rise of density dependence ratio were observed. Inhalation tests with multiples of the minimum dose were made and showed that the minimum dose was dependent on the individual, his condition and induced airflow obstruction in a dose‐related fashion.