Behavioral factors in the etiology of asthma.

Evidence for the role of behavior in the etiology of asthma is reviewed here. Behavioral factors have not convincingly been shown to play a part in the inception of asthma. It has been suggested that asthma attacks can be precipitated by conditioning. Previous experiences leading to the expectation that an attack may occur can be regarded as a behavioral factor which may trigger an attack, possibly by inducing hyperventilation. Further research should focus on the possible role of behavioral factors in maintaining a state of hyperreactivity of the bronchi and psycho-immunologic aspects such as brain-controlled neuroendocrine immune mechanisms.