Biological Cycles Affect Allergic Reactions

Scientists believe that every physiological function follows a natural rhythm. Sleep/wake patterns, body temperature, and hormone release fluctuate on a daily basis; heart rates follow a much shorter cycle measured in seconds; menstrual periods repeat approximately every 28 days. These biological cycles also affect the severity of allergic reactions.

Several studies have shown that the magnitude of asthma attacks oscillates daily, with symptoms worsening during late night and early morning. Studies on both healthy and asthmatic subjects have found that lung function is at its peak (called "peak expiratory flow") at approximately 4 p.m. and at its lowest at 4 a.m. Asthmatics, however, suffer from significantly diminished lung function compared to healthy people in the early morning hours. This reduction in expiratory flow often causes an asthma attack. According to one study, 74% of 8,000 asthmatic subjects claimed to have at least one bout of nocoturnal asthma per week. The menstrual cycle also affects lung function. In a recent study on 14 women diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma, all experienced a 20% decrease in peak expiratory flow in the days preceding menstruation. Low levels of the hormone estradiol are associated with decreased lung function and higher risks for asthma attacks.

The severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms follows daily (circadian) rhythms. In one study, 70% of sufferers experienced a greater intensity in respiratory problems upon awakening in the morning; symptoms dramatically abated by nighttime, only to return in the morning.



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