Stress, mindfulness and the allergic patient.

Stress, mindfulness and the allergic patient. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2018 Oct 16;: Authors: Marshall GD, Tull MT Abstract INTRODUCTION: The global incidence and prevalence of allergic diseases are increasing as is the intensity and duration of excessive psychological stress due to multiple factors associated with living in today's world such as personal, social and political unrest, increased fear and anxiety and/or depression often leading to hopelessness. Both allergy and chronic psychological stress are characterized by immune imbalances that have similar characteristics. Thus it is reasonable to posit that the two are interactive and that stress may induce as well as complicate at least some allergic diseases. Areas covered: Stress management/reduction has been proposed with various physical, pharmacological and psychological interventions for both preventive and therapeutic reasons. A useful intervention involves mindfulness techniques which allow the individual to put their life situation in context for better personal management. Expert commentary: Future studies must be developed that will further examine the role of excess psychological stress in specific allergic diseases and evaluate the effectiveness of various stress intervention protocols, particularly those involving mindfulness, to determine which individual would best respond clinically to which intervention. When this is accomplished, assessment and treatment of p...
Source: Expert Review of Clinical Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: Expert Rev Clin Immunol Source Type: research