The Effect on Airways Impedance of Forearm Immersion in Cold Water

Airflow and autonomic responses to stress and relaxation in asthma: The impact of stressor type

“…As noted before, the most dramatic example of this is the vasovagal reaction in which a stimulus such as an injection needle elicits an increase in vagal tone and decrease in heart rate that (in conjunction with some other cardiovascular changes) may lead to unconsciousness (Ditto et al, 2003;Engel, 1978). Neild et al (1984) found that the reduction in airflow produced by the cold pressor test was attenuated by pre-treatment with ipratropium bromide, a cholinergic antagonist. Although the present study focused on the effects of different stimuli, as opposed to different emotions, on asthmatics, it is interesting to note that the results are not inconsistent with Miller's (e.g., Miller and Wood, 1997) suggestion that sadness and depression may be particularly problematic for asthmatics, in part due to cholinergic activity.…”

“…In a small study, Neild et al (1984) found that the cold pressor reduced airflow in six asthmatic subjects. It was predicted that asthmatics would experience increases in respiratory resistance following the cold pressor.…”