CLASSICAL ALLERGIC DISEASES: ASTHMA WITHOUT ALLERGENS

Asthmatics who are constantly exposed to their allergen – as is the case with house-dust sensitivity – are likely to have bronchi that are highly ‘irritable’, because of the inflammation in the membranous linings. The late-phase reaction, described in the box below, plays a large part in producing this state of chronic sensitivity. Once it has developed, all sorts of irritating stimuli can then spark off an asthma attack. Common irritants include smoke (cigarettes, bonfires etc), factory fumes, infections, very cold air and sulphur dioxide.

Becoming emotional or afraid can have the same effect as these airborne irritants, as can strenuous exercise. It was the ability of the emotions to bring on an asthmatic attack that led to the idea of asthma being largely ‘psychosomatic’.

Eating large amounts of the food additive monosodium glutamate, can also provoke an asthma attack, according to Dr David Allen, a respiratory specialist from Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia. He believes that MSG -common in Chinese cooking, packet soups and other convenience foods – has an effect on the central nervous system which triggers off the attack. Similar claims have been made for diets that are high in salt, although how salt in food might contribute to asthma is unknown.

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