Randomized trial demonstrates altered airway reactivity in asthmatic subjects based on psychologic stimuli, suggesting psychological factors influence treatment effectiveness.
Two bronchoactive substances, isoproterenol and carbachol were presented by inhalation to 20 asthmatic subjects in a double blind study. Each drug was given under two conditions: in one case, the subject was told the drug was a bronchodilator; in the other, he was told it was a bronchoconstrictor. The bronchodilator effect of isoproterenol was greater when the subject was told it was a bronchodilator than when told it was a bronchoconstrictor. Similarly, the bronchoconstricting effect of carbachol was greater when the subject was told it was a bronchoconstrictor than when told it was a bronchodilator.
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Luparello et al. (1970) studied this question.
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