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Gazoontite.com presents

Stuart Tousman, Ph.D.
Managing Asthma and Allergies

May 3, 2000

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Dr Tousman: Allergies and asthma are linked together because sometimes an allergic response can trigger asthma symptoms. Last week, we learned that histamine is released when something like ragweed or dust comes into the system. Histamine causes all those symptoms of the allergic sinitus. And these allergens can sometimes scar the respiratory tract. Certainly, there are people who just have allergies, but for a lot of people the allergies can be related to asthma symptoms and that happens to me quite frequently. I have allergies and sometimes I have asthma attacks from them, especially when I cut the grass.

Achoo: Is it possible that certain allergies or asthma can be psychosomatic or "mind over matter"?

Dr Tousman: Allergies and asthma are not caused by psychology. That's a very important point. You cannot have psychosomatic symptoms that cause asthma or allergies, but if you already have allergies and asthma, certainly emotions and anxiety can trigger broncho construction. In fact, I used to get out of school a lot growing up making that happen when there was a test.

Thewiz: I hear acupuncture being touted as a cure-all for most things. Is it effective in relieving allergy symptoms?

Dr Tousman: Acupuncture has been looked at as an unconventional treatment. There has been little scientific evidence that it can treat and cure allergies and asthma. Nevertheless, there have been reports that it can really help certain people. Something else that has been explored is massage therapy. There is growing evidence that massage can have a beneficial effect for asthmatics. In our program, this summer, we are going to have our asthmatic people get a massage and see if it helps them. The other place that I would suggest people look is down at the University of Miami. You can look this up on the internet. A researcher named Tiffany Fields is getting grant money to look at alternative medicine massage therapy benefits for asthma. And the federal government, in a complementary medicine program, is now funding these types of projects. So, it is a priority.

Sufferer: Can stress, anxiety, etc. actually "cause" allergies?

Dr Tousman: Once again, stress cannot cause somebody to get asthma and allergies. There are genetic and environmental reasons that we get them. But stress can trigger attacks, because stress is perceived by the brain, an area called the limbic system. And the limbic system gives you that energy for the flight or fight response. And that can lead to broncho constriction and even inflammation of the bronchia.

Beffie: What are the possibilities of someone "outgrowing" an allergy?

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