Effects of hydrocortisone on acute β-adrenoceptor blocker and histamine induced bronchoconstriction

ß-adrenoceptor blockers are avoided in asthma due to concerns of bronchoconstriction. We investigated the safety of acute exposure to propranolol in asthmatics, sequentially challenged with histamine to mimic an asthma exacerbation and evaluated the role of intravenous hydrocortisone in potentiating salbutamol reversibility.