Paradoxical effect of forced inspiration: a new characteristic of asthmatic disease?
Gayrard, P.; Orehek, J.
La Semaine des Hopitaux Organe Fonde Par l'Association d'Enseignement Medical des Hopitaux de Paris 52(4): 229-232
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-1777 PMID: 184534 Document Number: 103883
In normal subjects, forced inspiration may dilate the bronchi and be considered as a defence or compensatory reaction in certain cases. In asthma, forced inspiration has the opposite effect. Bronchospasm occurs or becomes worse, usually moderately and transiently, but sometimes to a marked and lasting degree. These reactions may be prevented by anticholinergic and sympathomimetic drugs. They should be avoided and one should thus prohibit the manoeuvres which trigger them off. One should take them into consideration during respiratory function tests. This paradoxical effect of forced inspiration seems to exist to various degrees in most asthmatic patients, it may be considered as a diagnostic sign of asthma.