Bronchodilator test (stupid/easy question)

[Aclamity]

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Dumb question, but just wanted to clarify:

When you do a bronchodilator test (i.e. checking PFTs before & after bronchodilator test), I know they say an increase of 12% or whatever is a positive test. But is this for any asthmatic or just for people coming in with an acute exacerbation? In other words, if a well-controlled asthmatic comes in for a routine follow-up and doesn't report any symptoms, will they still test positive on the bronchodilator test?

I guess what I'm getting at here is if asthmatics always have some degree of bronchoconstriction going on, or if everything is normal and dandy in between acute exacerbations.

If my interpretation of the bronchodilator test is wrong, please let me know!

 

[septoplasty]

Dumb question, but just wanted to clarify:

When you do a bronchodilator test (i.e. checking PFTs before & after bronchodilator test), I know they say an increase of 12% or whatever is a positive test. But is this for any asthmatic or just for people coming in with an acute exacerbation? In other words, if a well-controlled asthmatic comes in for a routine follow-up and doesn't report any symptoms, will they still test positive on the bronchodilator test?

I guess what I'm getting at here is if asthmatics always have some degree of bronchoconstriction going on, or if everything is normal and dandy in between acute exacerbations.

If my interpretation of the bronchodilator test is wrong, please let me know!

Routine f/u = ask symptom hx, if symp don't seem controlled refer to asthma class for tx options, so not routinely tested w/ bronchodilator test.

Atleast that's what I learned during my FM rotation.

They only did the dilator test when they felt that the dilator may not have been effective, so come in with complaints, check pre/post dilator peak flow and see what it is. If it improves >12% like you said, then albuterol was enough. Otherwise they'd be put on something else.

 

[OveractiveBrain]

Dumb question, but just wanted to clarify:

When you do a bronchodilator test (i.e. checking PFTs before & after bronchodilator test), I know they say an increase of 12% or whatever is a positive test. But is this for any asthmatic or just for people coming in with an acute exacerbation? In other words, if a well-controlled asthmatic comes in for a routine follow-up and doesn't report any symptoms, will they still test positive on the bronchodilator test?

I guess what I'm getting at here is if asthmatics always have some degree of bronchoconstriction going on, or if everything is normal and dandy in between acute exacerbations.

If my interpretation of the bronchodilator test is wrong, please let me know!

If no sxs now, get methacholine challenge (induce)
if sxs now, get bronchodilator challenge (reverse)

www.onlinemeded.org/asthma