Guest guest Posted June 7, 2009 Report Share Posted June 7, 2009 info - Humor - Effect of Humor on Allergen-Induced Wheal Reactions - Results The wheal responses induced by house dust mite allergens were significantly (P<.01) reduced after viewing the humorous video (Figure 1), and this reduction was reversed after 4 hours but not after 2 hours (data not shown). Wheal responses to cedar pollen and cat dander were also significantly reduced after viewing the humorous video. The diameter (mean [sD]) of the wheal caused by cedar pollen was reduced from 8 (4) to 2 (2) mm (n = 23) and that caused by cat dander from 7 (3) to 2 (2) mm (n = 21). The wheal responses induced by house dust mite allergen were not significantly different before (11 [4] mm) or after (11 [5] mm) viewing the nonhumorous video. This study is limited by the lack of blinding or randomization of crossover. Nonetheless, these results suggest that the induction of laughter may play some role in alleviating allergic diseases. Norman Cousins1 originally reported that only 10 minutes of laughter alleviated the pain of ankylosing spondyilitis. Subsequently, it has been reported that laughter during a 60-minute humorous video decreased blood cortisol levels and increased natural killer activity in healthy subjects.2 Another study reported that exposure to a 60-minute rakugo (traditional Japanese comic story) decreased blood levels of interleukin 6 and interferon and alleviated pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.3 http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/285/6/738 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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