A bronchoprovocation test is an attempt to provoke mild bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways caused by muscle contraction) in patients in a controlled setting. In most tests, substances such as histamine and methacholine are introduced to see if the patient’s airways constrict. The test is used to help diagnose or rule out asthma as the cause of respiratory problems.

The exercise challenge test is another common bronchoprovocation test. This is used to diagnose asthma in individuals who experience symptoms that appear to be triggered by exercise.

Bronchoprovocation tests can confirm (or rule out) the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness (easily irritated breathing passages), as well as determine the severity of the disorder. Test results can also provide a foundation for an effective treatment plan. However, these tests present very slight but potentially serious health risks and should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals in a medical facility.

Asthma is not the only disorder that causes bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, cystic fibrosis and bronchitis also cause this condition. For this reason, bronchoprovocation testing is a more effective tool for ruling out an asthma diagnosis than for specifically identifying asthma as the cause of breathing problems (e.g., coughing, shortness of breath).