Increase in non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness as an early marker of bronchial response to occupational agents during specific inhalation challenges.

Abstract

The increase in non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness after a specific inhalation challenge can be an early and sensitive marker of bronchial response to occupational agents, especially in subjects removed from workplace exposure for a long time. Non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness should be systematically assessed after specific inhalation challenges in the absence of changes in airway calibre.