Fainting during methacholine challenge

[lynaha]

I had bronchitis with cough in Jan and Feb.  The cough has continued daily since then.  I am being evaluated for adult onset asthma.  Yesterday, Aug 12th, I had a Methacholine challenge test after the pulmonary function test was inconclusive.  At the end of the fourth dose, I felt tightness in my chest andI became very light headed during the forceful blowing part of the pulmonary function.  After the fifth dose I actually briefly "fainted" and fell against the side of the booth. Then I was given the albuteral and the same thing happened during the forceful blowing.  I was really straining because the tech kept telling me I just wasn't putting in enough effort.  She stood there and said keep blowing!!!  So I kept on, even though I felt I was way beyond my ability.  Once the test was completed, she said she had only had one other patient actually go out on her, and I "scared the begeebees" out of her. She said that my face actually turned blue. The nurse had done these tests daily for 12 yrs - that is all that she does, all day long.  When I asked her why this happened to me, she didn't have an answer.  So that is my question - why did this happen to me during the test, and what does it mean? (This test was done a a large medical facility)

[lynaha]

Thank you for your input about my problem.  I see my pulmonologist next week, but your suggestion makes a lot of sense to me.  I have also noticed that I get very light headed when I cough very hard or for a very long time.  So could well be related to the coughing, not the med.  Maybe the methacholine just irritated things more.  Still not sure if that means I have asthma, but your  comments sure gave me something to think about!! Thank you!!

[halbashes]

Another possibility is that the Spirometry part of the test caused a Vasovagal Reflex.  That is, the forceful blowing part of the test that you describe actually caused your fainting episode.  If ever you require any similar testing, (with, or without Methacholine), I'd absolutely recommend warning your Pulmonary Specialist about this event.

This article mentions Vasovagal Syncope in relation to Spirometry:
http://www.aaaai.org/members/allied_health/articlesofinterest/berendts_aug.pdf

This type of fainting episode can be an isolated event, or part of an illness such as Dysautonomia.

[ChitChatNine]

Thanks V for this info ... this info is very interesting!  C~

[Victoireh]

I've had the methacholine challenge test done before. And when you respond by 20% or more drop in lung function, is the test finished and you are given ventollin (albuteral as you call it in the states), to reverse the affects. Passing out would only happen I would imagine if your airways tightened up to the point of allowing not enough oxygen through?? But I would think in your case something else is going on there, because you felt some reaction in the airways on the fourth dose, but not enough to finish the test. However, you said that you felt dizzy, so perhaps there is something going on with your heart. I'm sure the doctor who ordered the test will know more, once he gets the results. But if you can't give good reproducibility on the challenge test, it's very difficult to interpret the data. As each of your spirometry curves will be different. And then it's very difficult to tell where you have the drop in lung function due to the methacholine. I'm sorry that is all I know really. The best is to wait and see what your doctor says.

[ChitChatNine]

Hi,

WELCOME to our Community.  I don't have any knowledge in that area but wanted to say hi.

Others may, but 2 members are ill right now who may have some input.

Feel free to post on the Resp. Disorders Expert Forum where a Dr from Nat'l Jewish will answer your ? .. that's an idea.


http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Respiratory-Disorders/show/128