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Psychogenic Influences Associated with Allergic Disorders

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Functional Symptoms in Pediatric Disease

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Abstract

Most discussions of functional respiratory disorders that come to the attention of allergists are centered on the vocal cords and the lower respiratory tract such as related to asthma. Little clinical attention has been focused on functional issues related to the upper airway and specifically those associated with rhinitis conditions. In addition, the evaluation of food allergy frequently is complicated by functional issues. It is therefore important for clinicians to become aware of clinical nuances related to psychological influences that can complicate proper diagnosis and management of these conditions. Familiarity with the differential diagnosis of allergic, non-allergic, and vasomotor rhinitis is important in order to make an accurate diagnosis of these respective clinical entities. Psychogenic sneezing is an example of a common psychologically triggered symptom that mimics an allergic reaction. Other diseases such as fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, and chronic fatigue syndrome can present with rhinitis and also are associated with psychological influences. Understanding the etiology of food allergies may not only be life saving but also directs the proper management of the disease state and ultimate resolution of symptoms in some cases. In this context, quality of life and psychological burden of patients with food allergies should be considered, including the effects of psychological conditioning on propagating psychogenic food allergies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, 5229 Witz Drive, North Syracuse, NY, 13212, USA

    Juan L. Sotomayor Jr. MD

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Correspondence to Juan L. Sotomayor Jr. MD .

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA

    Ran D. Anbar

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Sotomayor, J.L. (2014). Psychogenic Influences Associated with Allergic Disorders. In: Anbar, R. (eds) Functional Symptoms in Pediatric Disease. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-8074-8_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-8074-8_8

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