EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM INHALED SALBUTAMOL THERAPY ON THE PROVOCATION OF ASTHMA BY HISTAMINE

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Abstract
Patients (8) with asthma in remission were treated for 4 wk with a regular .beta.2 stimulant (salbutamol, 200 .mu.g) given 4 times/day by aerosol. Histamine provocation tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period, and again 2 wk after cessation of treatment. Throughout the 6 wk period, patients recorded peak expiratory flow (PEF) at home twice daily before and after inhaling 200 .mu.g of salbutamol. No significant differences were seen in the average PEF values or in the bronchodilator responses. There were no changes in the bronchial sensitivity to histamine, and the protective effect of inhaled salbutamol against histamine provocation was preserved after the period of regular therapy. Apparently the regular use of a selective .beta.2 stimulant by inhalation in conventional therapeutic amounts in patients with asthma is unlikely to produce clinically important tolerance or increased susceptibility to an asthma-provoking stimulus.