The Effect of Odors on Asthma Symptoms
The Effect of Odors on Asthma Symptoms
An extended replication of Jaen & Dalton (2014), the investigators aim to investigate the
 role of odors and associated trigger beliefs on symptom perception and airway inflammation in
 individuals with asthma
Participants with asthma are randomly assigned to a 15-min (phenylethyl alcohol) odor
 inhalation, accompanied by either an asthmogenic suggestion (nocebo), or a therapeutic
 suggestion (placebo). Airway inflammation, lung function, and asthma symptoms are measured in
 response to the odor/suggestion, up to 24 hours after odor inhalation. The investigators are
 also measuring worry and heart rate variability as potential mediators of the response.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  A physician diagnosis of asthma

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  FEV1 lower than 60% predicted

 -  clinical condition other than asthma