Bronchodilator effect on maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease.

Objective: To identify the role of bronchodilators in the maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD).

Methods: We conducted a case-control study including patients with OLD and a control group. Spirometric tests were performed prior to and after the use of a bronchodilator, as were breath-hold tests, using an electronic microprocessor and a pneumotachograph as a flow transducer.