有控制地给予哮喘病人刺激剂可引起气道反应性增高,据此可探讨哮喘的病因、发病机理、诊断以及评定疗效等。气道反应性测定所采用的刺激剂分为特异性和非特异性两种,特异性刺激剂包括吸入变应原和职业性有害因素。非特异性刺激剂主要是吸入组胺和乙酰甲胆碱,另外还可用柠檬酸、二氧化硫、蒸馏水、前列腺素F_(2a)、冷空气以及运动等作为气道反应的刺激物。 Controlled administration of stimulants to asthmatic patients can cause an increase in airway responsiveness from which asthma etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and assessment of efficacy can be explored. Stimulants used in the determination of airway responsiveness are classified into specific and nonspecific, and specific irritants include inhaled allergens and occupational hazards. Non-specific stimulants are mainly inhaled histamine and methacholine, citric acid, sulfur dioxide, distilled water, prostaglandin F_ (2a), cold air and exercise can also be used as an irritant of airway response.