The Autonomic Nervous System in Relation to Etiology and Management of Allergic Disease

Abstract

Allergic disease probably is invariably associated with a shift in the autonomic functional balance toward predominance of the parasympathetic, or cholinergic nerves. In some instances the autonomic imbalance is a factor in the etiology of the disease; in others it may be induced by the reaction of the tissues to the allergen. Inherited autonomic constitution and emotional instability may be recognized as etiologic factors in many cases. Functional imbalance of the autonomic nerves usually is accompanied by a shift in the acid-base balance in the liquid milieu of the tissues. Restoration of the acid-base balance tends to restore the functional balance of the autonomic nerves. In the treatment of allergic patients, therapy should be directed toward restoration of the autonomic functional balance. Measures which tend to restore the acid-base balance may be regarded as useful adjuncts to other therapeutic measures.