Cromolyn therapy in patients with bronchial asthma. Effect on inhalation challenge with allergen, histamine, and methacholine
U. Y. Ryo, B. Kang and R. G. Townley
The action mechanism of cromolyn sodium and its effect on bronchial
sensitivity to allergen, methacholine chloride, and histamine inhalations
were studied in 17 asthmatic subjects. Cromolyn capsules or placebo was
administered by an inhaler (Spinhaler) randomly on alternate days 30
minutes before aerosol challenge. Cromolyn and placebo did not differ in
their effect on bronchial response to histamine or methacholine. However,
the degree of decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory
volume in one second after allergen challenge was significantly reduced by
cromolyn in 15 of 17 subjects. Immediate and delayed reactions of itching,
tightness, or wheezing developed in 14 subjects after allergen challenges
following placebo intake and were prevented or substantially inhibited by
cromolyn.
