Equipment
The images below depict eucapnic hyperventilation equipment.
Smoking
Smoking can interfere with spirometry and eucapnic hyperventilation results by producing false-positive results. If the patient smokes cigarettes or other tobacco products, they must abstain from it for at least 6 hours prior to examination.
Eating and drinking
Patients can eat a normal breakfast or lunch before the procedure; however, they should avoid heavy meal or any alcoholic drinks. Patients should avoid spicy foods and caffeine containing drinks (which may cause heartburn, indigestion, or reflux) on the day of the procedure.
Exercise, cold air
Patient should avoid any strenuous exercise or excess exposure to cold/hot air within 4 hours prior to the test.
Medications
Certain medications can interfere with the test results. See the table below.
Table. Medications That Must Be Stopped Prior to Eucapnic Hyperventilation. (Open Table in a new window)
Drug Category |
Medication |
Time prior to test |
Inhaled bronchodilators |
Albuterol |
8 hours |
Ipratropium |
24 hours |
|
Salmeterol |
48 hours |
|
Oral bronchodilators |
Long-acting theophylline |
48 hours |
Inhaled glucocorticoid |
|
2-3 weeks |
Oral glucocorticoid |
|
2-3 weeks |
Mast cell stabilizers |
Cromolyn sodium |
8 hours |
Antihistamines |
Diphenhydramine |
72 hours |
Chlorpheniramine |
72 hours |
|
Hydroxyzine |
72 hours |
|
Cetirizine |
72 hours |
|
Leukotriene modifiers |
Montelukast |
24 hours |
Zafirlukast |
24 hours |
Patients are not routinely recommended to withhold inhaled and oral steroid for the test, however its anti-inflammatory effect can affect the bronchial response to the trigger. [11]
Elements of Informed Consent
Patients should be educated about the various steps of the procedure. Patient should be aware of the possible complications of test includes asthmalike symptoms, which include chest tightness, cough, and shortness of breath. These complications can be reversed with an inhaled short-acting bronchodilator.
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Equipment for Eucapnic Hyperventilation Test
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Patient undergoing Eucapnic Hyperventilation procedure
Tables
Drug Category |
Medication |
Time prior to test |
Inhaled bronchodilators |
Albuterol |
8 hours |
Ipratropium |
24 hours |
|
Salmeterol |
48 hours |
|
Oral bronchodilators |
Long-acting theophylline |
48 hours |
Inhaled glucocorticoid |
|
2-3 weeks |
Oral glucocorticoid |
|
2-3 weeks |
Mast cell stabilizers |
Cromolyn sodium |
8 hours |
Antihistamines |
Diphenhydramine |
72 hours |
Chlorpheniramine |
72 hours |
|
Hydroxyzine |
72 hours |
|
Cetirizine |
72 hours |
|
Leukotriene modifiers |
Montelukast |
24 hours |
Zafirlukast |
24 hours |
