Hello. Im going to have an Methacholine challenge test soon. Does Methacholine have an effect on heart rate? Should I let them know about the palpitations I have everyday? Will this test trigger a panic attack? This test sounds frightening to me. Inducing an asthma attack?

Two doctors told me I had "mild" asthma with very little constriction. My nail beds are a deep bluish purple.

my personal experience is that yes it induced sort of an asthma attack but no anxiety other than being nervous. The guy who did the test explained everything along the way which really helped with what to expect. I was kept there after administered albuterol and until my breathing returned to baseline.

I was terrified to get a methacholine challange test, and that is how I was diagnosed with asthma 3 weeks ago or so.

I have anxiety problems and was absolutely terrified of both the methacholine and the puffer. I felt better once I was actually there, because I was in a hospital and felt pretty safe. They know what to do if anything bad happens.

When I breathed in the first bit of methacholine, it did not burn, or make my heart pound. It made me want to cough a little but not severe as tho I got water down the wrong pipe or anything. It's not like breathing in smoke.
It make my chest feel tight, and a bit constricted. When I walked back to the booth, I was a bit out of breath. I did a second inhalation of methacholine, and it worsened a bit. Nothing severe. a 20% drop which is what I had and what diagnoses asthma is not severe enough to be severely disabling. It felt a bit uncomfortable but I felt very safe.

After th second dose he said thats enough and gave me the puffer. I instantly felt better and my breathing function went back to where it started (even a bit better, lol).

The puffer gave me no racing heart and hasn't since i've been using it.

Don't worry i promise you will be ok and its NOT that bad.

You made my day Kristen and dazedandconfused10. I was going to avoid doing the test but now I'll give it a try. thanks guys

hope it helps, I would mention the palpitations if you think they are anything other than anxiety. Let us know how it goes.

I have done the PFT, PST, Methacholine Challenge and another test whose name escapes me. The Methacholine Challenge was easy and painless for me.

I also have heart problems and carry Nitrolingual with me 24/7. No problem.
The ONLY thing I remember that was painful was on the PST where they take your blood out of..an artery I think. If they normally take it out of your veins, then this is the opposite and if you get a GOOD nurse, there is NO pain. I had some guy try it and was about to punch him when he found it. The nurse came in and as I was about to whine and snivel she hit it and was gone. The next time I did a PST I ASKED who was taking my blood and if they were any good.
The man running it called in a nurse who was great. Don't be afraid to ask and good luck with it.

Ok great, thanks a lot I will go ahead and do it, seems it needs to be done. thanks alot guys.