Exercise-Induced Bronchoprovocation Test

What is an Exercise-Induced Bronchoprovocation Test?

An Exercise Challenge Test is used to determine if your airways are over-sensitive to exercise. It will take approximately 90 minutes.

Preparing for your Test

You are required to withhold certain medications for varying times prior to this test. Please carefully read the list of medications to withhold for more information. If medications are not withheld as instructed, the test won’t be performed as results may be inaccurate and we will rebook you for another day.

Starting the day prior to your appointment:

• please avoid all caffeine (i.e., coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate).

On the day of the test:

• Ensure you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and enclosed shoes that are suitable for exercise.
• Avoid wearing perfume or cologne as some of our patients’ symptoms are triggered by strong smells.
• Withhold from smoking.
• Avoid vigorous exercise within 4 hours of your test.
• If you have any questions, please contact the laboratory.

The test

• At the start of the test, you will be asked to blow into a machine called a spirometer that measures the maximum amount of air you are able to breathe in and out. You will wear a nose clip and will be asked to do this several times, both slowly and quickly.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads will then be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate during exercise and some other pre-exercise measurements such as blood pressure will be taken to ensure it is safe for you to perform the test.
• You will then run on a treadmill for approximately 8-9 minutes. We will increase the speed and grade of the treadmill to get your heart rate up to 85% of maximum and you will need to maintain this for the duration of the exercise. While you are running you will wear a nose-peg to prevent you from breathing through your nose.
• At the end of the 8-9 minutes the treadmill will be slowed to a stop, and you will get off and sit down.
• You will be asked to blow into the spirometer immediately after exercise and at regular intervals over the next 30 minutes to measure if your airways narrow.
• If necessary, you will be given Ventolin (Salbutamol) after the test to ensure the airways return to their original size and function.

Once the test is completed and the scientist has confirmed your airways are back to their original size, you will be free to go.

Exercise-Induced Bronchoprovocation Test

Exercise-Induced Bronchoprovocation Test Respiratory function test