[SHF-thermography in allergic diseases]

The results of combined clinical allergologic study and SHF thermography in patients with pollenosis, chronic asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, continuous and seasonal allergic rhinitis and normal controls are reported. Patients with pulmonary disorders showed a reduction by 1 degree C in mean deep temperature around the lungs, and a sevenfold increase in deep temperature dispersion, as compared to the controls. Patients with pollenosis showed a reduction of deep temperatures by 1.5-2 degrees C in the gastric area and the ascending intestinal portion. In patients with allergic rhinitis, the temperature differences between the tip of the nose and maxillary sinuses, typical for normal subjects, become insignificant. Possible mechanisms of the demonstrated temperature abnormalities are discussed. The data obtained are compared to those obtained by means of IR thermography in the same categories of patients.