Effects of Suggestion on Respiration in Asthmatic Children

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Abstract
Sixteen asthmatic children were studied in an attempt to replicate the findings of Luparello et al on the effects of suggestion on airway reactivity. Maximum expiratory flow rates achieved in both forced and noneffort breathing, and expiratory duration were measured. S's were told that they would inhale potent allergens in a series of increasing concentrations until they began to wheeze. In fact, all S's inhaled physiologic saline. Of the 16 S's, one responded with decreased flow rate and wheezing in the suggestion session. In a control session involving saline and no suggestion, the same response occurred. All other S's failed to show any consistent response on any of the objective measures, although a number subjective sensations oftightness. Several reasons for the reported difference between our results and Luparello's are explored.

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