The relationship of stress with serum IgE level in patients with bronchial asthma

The relationship of stress perception and frequency of stressors with serum total Ig E level was investigated in 54 outpatients with bronchial asthma. The GARS (global assessment of recent stress) scale and SRRS (social readjustment rating scale) were used to measure the degree of stress perception and frequency of stressors during a one-year period Total serum Ig E was measured by the PRIST method. 56% of the patients were found to have psychosomatic disorders, but there was no significant difference in stress perception and frequency of stressors between psychosomatic and non-psychosomatic groups. A considerable number of patients (63%) rated their symptoms as severe, but no significant correlation was found between severity of symptoms and stress perception. Severity of stress perception and frequency of stressors did not correlate with serum total Ig E level. Multiple regression analysis revealed that female patients were significantly higher in stress perception than male ones, and that chronicity of illness was more likely to increase stress perception. Extrinsic asthmatics had significantly more negative stressors than intrinsic ones. In conclusion, serum Ig E is considered a stable indicator of allergy not influenced by stress. It was also indicated that patients with bronchial asthma were more likely to perceive physical symptoms than psychological stress.