Mannitol Bronchoprovocation Test

The Mannitol Challenge Test is a breathing test used to help diagnose asthma. It checks if your airways are overly sensitive (called airway hyperresponsiveness). Mannitol is a type of sugar that, when inhaled, can make the airways tighten. If you have asthma or exercise‑induced asthma, your airways may react strongly to it. This test is also sometimes called "Bronchial Provocation test".

What happens during the test?

- Baseline breathing check: First, you do a spirometry test. You wear a nose clip and breathe through a mouthpiece. You’ll breathe normally, then take a big breath in to fill your lungs, and blow it out hard and fast to empty.  

- Mannitol doses: You inhale increasing doses of Mannitol through a dispenser. After each dose, spirometry is repeated to see how your lungs respond.  

- Stopping point: If your breathing results show a big drop in the amount of air you can blow out, the test is stopped.  

- Airway recovery step: You’ll then be given a bronchodilator (like Salbutamol) to relax your airways and reverse the effects of Mannitol.  

Technicians guide you through each step and make sure you are safe and comfortable.