The effect of disodium cromoglycate on pulmonary function in asthma

Abstract

Twenty-four asthmatic patients, 13 extrinsic and II intrinsic, were given disodium cromoglycate in a double-blind cross-over trial. The extrinsics showed significant mean increases in dynamic lung volumes (FEV 1, FVC and FEV 1) and transfer factor and a fall in bronchial lability index. The heart rate and tidal volume/physiological dead space ratio on exercise fell and there was general symptomatic benefit: especially a reduction in cough, wheeze and chest tightness. Fewer of the intrinsic asthmatics improved, but there was a significant mean increase in forced expiratory volume after a bronchodilator and 3 had a mean increase in the forced expiratory volume of 0·78 litre with equivalent symptomatic benefit, particularly in chest tightness. The extrinsic and intrinsic asthmatics who had the largest increases in the forced expiratory volume in i second also had a significant reduction in lung hyperinflation and a rise in arterial oxygen tension.