The Mechanism of Action of Suggestion in the Induction of Acute Asthma Attacks

Abstract

Asthmatic subjects inhaling nebulized physiologic saline solution were told that the substance was an allergen which each subject had indicated as the cause of his asthmatic attacks. Utilization of whole body plethysmography revealed that 15 subjects developed significant increases in airway resistance, but 14 did not. In repeat studies, 13 of the 15 reactors continued to respond with significant changes in airway resistance, while all of the nonreactors remained unaffected. Intravenous atropine sulfate, 1-2 mg., prevented the bronchoconstriction response to suggestion. These observations demonstrate that a significant number of asthmatic subjects can respond to psychological stimuli with significant changes in airway resistance. This phenomenon is mediated through activation of efferent cholinergic pathways.