Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3
pubmed:dateCreated
1997-10-23
pubmed:abstractText
The association between psychosocial stress and susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infection was investigated in 45 children with a history of recurrent colds and flu, and in 45 healthy children of similar age and distribution. In addition, mucosal immune protection against upper respiratory tract infections was assessed by measuring the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and its ratio to albumin in saliva. Several dimensions of psychosocial stress, including exposure to stressful experiences, stress-prone personality traits, and signs of emotional disturbance were elevated in children with a history of recurrent colds and flu. Furthermore, lower sIgA/albumin ratios in these children indicated a deficiency in local mucosal immunity. Thus, the findings are consistent with the view that psychosocial stress depletes local immune protection against viral invasion or bacterial colonization of the upper respiratory tract; this depletion may increase susceptibility to colds and flu. Alternatively, psychological disturbances could develop in response to frequent illness.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Sep
pubmed:issn
0022-3999
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
43
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
271-8
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1997
pubmed:articleTitle
Increased psychosocial stress and decreased mucosal immunity in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.
pubmed:affiliation
Division of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't