NON-IMMUNOLOGIC FACTORS IN ALLERGIC DISEASES.

Many different explanations of the mechanism of asthma and other allergic diseases have been offered. Of these, the immunologic concept has gained the greatest acceptance. During the past 25 years, a renewed attempt to place the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases on a firm scientific basis has yielded many fundamental facts and principles in such varied fields as immunology and psychiatry, but no one of these disciplines affords a satisfactory approach to the practical management of the individual patient. There is a vast gap between scientific fact and medical practice. The need at present is less for basic principles than for their rational application to diagnosis and treatment. This requires a broad knowledge of the basic sciences, and utilization of that which is applicable.