Assessment of the effects of ascorbic acid on respiratory and alimentary immune reaction

ABSTRACT

Clinical observation of diseases associated with the occurence of upper respiratory symptoms indicates that clinical features are also present in the alimentary system. Respiratory symptoms occur in consequence of viral or allergic reactions in the respiratory tract, both of which are associated with changes in ascorbic acid metabolism. Alimentary allergic symptoms occur as a rsult of recurrent antigen challenge with specific foods to which patients are sensitive. The specific allergens cause alteration in buccal taste and sensation, and the occurrence of abdominal symptoms. These effects provide sensitive and precise methods for diagnosis of food allergens. Aphthous ulceration has been shown to have a specific allergic basis by challenge of the ulcers with the causative allergens. The pain and inflammation of aphthous ulcers can be completely alleviated by buccal administration of ascorbic acid. The simultaneous occurrence of respiratory and alimentary symptoms following allergenic challenge indicates their common etiology in the allergic syndrome. The beneficial effect of ascorbic acid in the allergic syndrome is discussed. The lay person has a clear definition for himself of the symptoms which make up a cold. For the doctor Tyrell defined a cold as a mild illness in which the main local symptoms are found in the upper respiratory tract and in which nasal symptoms predominate. The early features are produced as a result of primary infection of the nose and nasopharynx by several viruses especially the rhinovirus. Amongst the complications of a cold, however, Macleod only includes sinusitis, eustachian catarrh, and lower respiratory infection. Clinical observation of diseases associated with the occurrence of upper respiratory symptoms indicates that many other features may be present in addition to those occurring in the respiratory tract. The purpose of this paper is to analyse these features, to determine their relationship to each other, and to investigate the effects of administration of supplementary Vitamin C on them. (AU)