Psychologic and somatic interrelationships in allergy and pseudoallergy

Area of Science:

• Integrative medicine
• Clinical immunology
• Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

• Atopic syndrome (e.g., asthma, rhinitis, eczema) frequently presents with mental, behavioral, and somatic symptoms.
• These symptoms are often indirect consequences of extracerebral physical dysfunctions, not direct cerebral effects of allergy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the relationship between allergic diseases and associated non-specific symptoms.
• To highlight the need for research into cerebral effects of hypoxemia and CNS side effects of antiallergy medications.
• To address misconceptions regarding the role of food and inhalants in psychiatric and somatic syndromes.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical observations and existing literature.
• Emphasis on the importance of controlling for placebo, suggestion, and observer bias.
• Critical evaluation of the impact of publicity and unproven 'allergy' procedures.

Main Results:

• Observed symptoms are typically indirect results of allergy, secondary to extracerebral issues.
• Inadequate attention has been given to hypoxemia's cerebral effects in asthma and CNS side effects of medications.
• Misconceptions arise from overlooking clinical significance and bias control, leading to potential harm from unproven methods.

Conclusions:

• Mental and somatic symptoms in allergic diseases are usually indirect and secondary.
• Further research is crucial for understanding hypoxemia and medication effects on the central nervous system.
• Careful methodology and bias control are essential to prevent harm from unsubstantiated allergy claims.