Asthma Diagnosis: How to Perform a Mannitol Challenge Test
Understanding airway responsiveness through bronchial provocation testing
Diagnosing asthma can sometimes require different tests to understand how the airways behave and respond to different triggers. A mannitol challenge test is a type of bronchial provocation test that can help assess airway hyperresponsiveness.
In this video, Prof. Vibeke Backer demonstrates how a mannitol challenge test is performed and explains how the test can contribute to the assessment of asthma.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- What a mannitol challenge test is
- How the test is performed
- Why mannitol is used during the challenge
- How lung function is monitored throughout the test
- What the test can reveal about airway responsiveness
- How a mannitol challenge test can contribute to the assessment of asthma
Why is a mannitol challenge test used?
People with asthma can have airways that are more sensitive or responsive to certain triggers. A mannitol challenge test can help healthcare professionals assess this airway hyperresponsiveness by observing how the airways respond to inhaled mannitol.
The test is one of several investigations that may be used when assessing asthma, particularly when additional information about airway responsiveness is needed.
Watch the video below to see how a mannitol challenge test is performed and learn what it can tell us about how the airways respond to a challenge.
What should I expect?
During the test, you will inhale measured doses of mannitol and perform lung function measurements at specific stages. Your healthcare professional will monitor your lung function throughout the procedure and will explain what you need to do at each step.
The results are considered together with your symptoms, medical history, and other test results when assessing asthma. A mannitol challenge test is not used on its own to diagnose asthma.
Please note: This video is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
