Please help...scared about methalcholine challege tomorrow

[Phix]

Hi.  I read some comments on here about it but I'm still worried.  I'm just scared of not being able to breathe.  I read one comment where the girl felt fine but function still went down 20%.  I wondered if I do have problems with the test, will i be wheezing or gasping for air or something?  I have panic disorder and I get very nervous about this stuff.

Please any comments would help.

[National Jewish]

I

[spicer]

Hi Phix - I'm assuming you're having this because they don't know if you have asthma or not and are trying to confirm it one way or the other?  Did your doctor try you on some inhalers first to see if they helped or not before ordering the test?  I would be worried too, but that's just me.  I don't think the test is that worrisome, but if you tell them beforehand that you have panic disorder and you're a little scared, they'll be a little more gentle with you and keep a closer eye on you.  I'm sure you're not the first person who's been a little apprehensive of having it done.  Will you write us afterwards and let us know how it went and that you're ok?  Talk to you soon.......

[starion]

Dear Friend,
My husband had the methacholine challenge at National Jewish in May 2002, where he was carefully monitored as EVERYONE who has such tests are (the test confirmed his asthma diagnosis).  Basically, what happens is you take a full inhalation and then exhale into a tube which is connected to a spirometry machine which gives you some readings.  You then breathe a carefully measured dose of methacholine, wait a short period of time, and then take the spirometry test again.  If your readings are still the same as they were originally, you are given another carefully measured dose of methacholine, wait again, and re-tested.
They STOP giving you methacholine when your lung function measurements fall and immediately administer a bronchodilator, wait and re-test you until your lung function is where you started before the test.  It is a very carefully monitored test and nothing to be scared of!  The folks who administer the test know what they are doing and are very careful that your lung function is as good when you leave as it was when you started the test!
Aloha,
Starion

[Phix]

Thank you for your help.  I ended up not having it done that day b/c i was sick that morning.  BUt im having it done tomorrow morning.  I'm still scared tho.  I know they know what they're doing but im still worried.

[starion]

Dear Phix,
Really, just try to relax (I know easier said than done), but really, my husband agreed that it was just fine.  It is very carefully and well-supervised.  They DO watch your reactions and take prompt measures to keep your lung function at good levels.
Aloha,
Starion