Cristina Jaén1, Pamela Dalton2. 1. Monell Chemical Senses Center, USA. 2. Monell Chemical Senses Center, USA. Electronic address: dalton@monell.org.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Fragrances and strong odors have been characterized as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms and many asthmatics readily avoid odors and fragranced products. However, the mechanism by which exposure to pure, non-irritating odorants can elicit an adverse reaction in asthmatic patients is still unclear and may involve both physiological and psychological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate how beliefs about an odor's relationship to asthmatic symptoms could affect the physiological and psychological responses of asthmatics. METHODS: Asthmatics classified as 'moderate-persistent', according to NIH criteria, were exposed for 15 min to a fragrance which was described either as eliciting or alleviating asthma symptoms. During exposure, participants were asked to rate odor intensity, perceived irritation and subjective annoyance while physiological parameters such as electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and end tidal carbon dioxide (etCO₂) were recorded. Before, immediately after, and at 2 and 24h post-exposure, participants were required to subjectively assess their asthma symptom status using a standardized questionnaire. We also measured asthma status at each of those time points using objective parameters of broncho-constriction (spirometry) and measures of airway inflammation (exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO). RESULTS: Predictably, manipulations of perceived risk altered both the quality ratings of the fragrance as well as the reported levels of asthma symptoms. Perceived risk also modulated the inflammatory airway response. CONCLUSIONS: Expectations elicited by smelling a perceived harmful odor may affect airway physiology and impact asthma exacerbations.
OBJECTIVE: Fragrances and strong odors have been characterized as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms and many asthmatics readily avoid odors and fragranced products. However, the mechanism by which exposure to pure, non-irritating odorants can elicit an adverse reaction in asthmatic patients is still unclear and may involve both physiological and psychological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate how beliefs about an odor's relationship to asthmatic symptoms could affect the physiological and psychological responses of asthmatics. METHODS: Asthmatics classified as 'moderate-persistent', according to NIH criteria, were exposed for 15 min to a fragrance which was described either as eliciting or alleviating asthma symptoms. During exposure, participants were asked to rate odor intensity, perceived irritation and subjective annoyance while physiological parameters such as electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and end tidal carbon dioxide (etCO₂) were recorded. Before, immediately after, and at 2 and 24h post-exposure, participants were required to subjectively assess their asthma symptom status using a standardized questionnaire. We also measured asthma status at each of those time points using objective parameters of broncho-constriction (spirometry) and measures of airway inflammation (exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO). RESULTS: Predictably, manipulations of perceived risk altered both the quality ratings of the fragrance as well as the reported levels of asthma symptoms. Perceived risk also modulated the inflammatory airway response. CONCLUSIONS: Expectations elicited by smelling a perceived harmful odor may affect airway physiology and impact asthma exacerbations.
Authors: Ilse Van Diest; Steven De Peuter; Stephan Devriese; Elke Wellens; Karel P Van de Woestijne; Omer Van den Bergh Journal: Psychosom Med Date: 2005 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 4.312
Authors: Kendra Broadwater; Marie A de Perio; Jennifer Roberts; Nancy C Burton; Angela R Lemons; Brett J Green; Scott E Brueck Journal: J Occup Environ Hyg Date: 2016-10 Impact factor: 2.155
Authors: Carolyn K Novaleski; Richard L Doty; Alissa A Nolden; Paul M Wise; Joel D Mainland; Pamela H Dalton Journal: J Voice Date: 2021-01-14 Impact factor: 2.300
Authors: Kirsi Karvala; Markku Sainio; Eva Palmquist; Anna-Sara Claeson; Maj-Helen Nyback; Steven Nordin Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-09-19 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Małgorzata Okrasa; Jörn Hitz; Aleksandra Nowak; Agnieszka Brochocka; Christoph Thelen; Zbigniew Walczak Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-06-04 Impact factor: 3.390