Your physician has ordered a bronchoprovocation test which will be performed in the Pulmonary Lab. The test will require that you inhale a drug called "methacholine". The results of this test will help your physician determine the cause of your cough or shortness of breath . Several tests of lung function will be given before and after breathing a mist of methacholine. A technician will be present throughout this procedure and will tell you what to do. You should let the technician know if, at anytime during the test, you experience discomfort or breathing difficulties. There may be temporary changes in lung function after the inhalation of methacholine, but the technologist administering your test will be monitoring these changes very carefully.

Please remember that test results may be altered if you are taking bronchodilator, antihistamine or beta blocker (heart or blood pressure) drugs. If you think you are taking drugs of this type, please check with your doctor. These drugs must not be taken prior to the inhalation challenge. In addition, you should not eat or drink any food or liquid containing caffeine six hours before testing. This includes coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Exercise and exposure to cold air should be avoided for at least two hours before testing. If you have a respiratory infection, this test will need to rescheduled. You need to be free from respiratory infections for six weeks prior to performing this challenge test. You need to wait 7 to 10 days after receiving a flu shot before performing this test. This test cannot be performed if you are pregnant or are breast feeding.

If you have any questions regarding this test, or need to reschedule your appointment because of respiratory infection, please call Pulmonary Diagnostic Services at University of Michigan Hospital at area code (734) 936-5250.