Nonwheezing bronchial asthma diagnosed by methacholine challenge
Article Abstract:
Bronchial asthma is a lung disorder associated with obstruction of the airway. It is usually diagnosed when symptoms of wheezing, chronic cough, difficulty breathing, and/or shortness of breath develop. However, some patients do not have symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Consequently, bronchial asthma tends to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Two cases are described of patients with nonrespiratory symptoms, who were later diagnosed as having bronchial asthma. One patient experienced syncope, or fainting, and the other patient had chest pain and chronic malaise, or lethargy. A test to confirm bronchial asthma is the methacholine challenge; it involves the administration of the drug methacholine, which constricts the bronchi, or airway, and provokes an asthmatic attack. Both patients were diagnosed with bronchial asthma after a positive reaction to methacholine and were treated with agents that dilate the bronchi. Thus, methacholine challenge serves as a useful method for confirming a diagnosis of bronchial asthma in patients who do not have the common symptoms of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Both patients remained free of symptoms since beginning treatment with bronchodilators. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Limousines for the feet
Article Abstract:
Nike Inc has sought to design shoes that fill a cultural need and that are symbols of prestige. Tinker Hatfield, creative director of product design at Nike, is responsible for the creation of many of the athletic shoe company's best designs, such as Air Jordans. Because of their prestige value, the shoe models often have bold features that can easily be recognized. Nike Town in Portland, OR, one of several stores, is a dramatically designed celebration of sports.
Publication Name: Graphis
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0017-3452
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
For kick starts, try socks
Article Abstract:
One of the most promising signs of economic recovery in the US is the increase in consumer spending. Personal incomes are rising, giving consumers more confidence. Once unemployment begins to drop, the economy will grow more quickly.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: