Research group

The research presented on this website was all performed as teamwork with colleagues and the staffs at the Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Sweden and at the Allergy Centre, Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden. Without their constant help and collaboration none of the presented results would be available today. The Departments have always supported this research and made it possible to perform scientific studies often demanding extensive resources. Especially active in the research field of non-allergic airway symptomatology induced by chemicals and scents are:

At the Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Sweden:

Eva Millqvist, associate professor, MD, the author of this site. A study of patients with airway symptoms induced by chemicals and scents was included in my thesis 1996. After that I have devoted most of my time to research within this field. There are now a reasonable number of articles published in scientific papers and more are coming. My intention is to spread light in a "dark spot" and to awake attention and interest to this group of patients. All research is made together with colleagues and collaborators of whom I just can mention some below:
Olle Löwhagen, professor, MD, now partly retired, is since many years working within the research field of asthma-like symptoms. He is a true enthusiast and 100 % devoted to his patients. He was one of the first physicians in Sweden to notice and describe this group of patients.
Ewa Ternesten-Hasseus, RN, PhD, presented recently her thesis; “Airway sensitivity to chemicals and scents, symptoms, trigger factors, and the capsaicin inhalation test” a thorough and careful work in mapping patients with sensitivity to chemicals and scents and in many ways a pioneering work. The conclusions of her thesis are the following:

“In patients with SHR and MCS airway sensory reactivity is increased, suggesting that neurogenic factors may be of importance. Though the methacholine inhalation test may be of some value in assessing these patients, in that it can exclude the possibility of bronchial asthma, the capsaicin inhalation test seems to be a more useful diagnostic tool. In conducting capsaicin inhalation testing it is important to know the type of inhalation device used, particle size, airflow rate, and inspiratory flow rate, as these factors influence the strength of reaction. SHR appears to be a chronic condition; it is associated with reduced HRQL (health related quality of life) and the long-term persistence of increased capsaicin cough sensitivity.”
Inger Winberg, assistant nurse, takes care of time-booking, scheduling and many provocations. She knows and remembers the patients and has an excellent knowledge within this field.
Ewa-Lena Johansson, physiotherapist, with long and extensive experience of working with patients with SHR. She now is active in several research projects concering SHR.

At the Allergy Centre, Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden:

I have since many years, scientific collaboration with Mats Bende, professor, MD and Åke Johansson, MD, both enthusiastic researchers with great interest and understanding in non-allergic/non-asthmatic airway hyperreactivity.
Christel Larsson, RN, research assistant is an outstanding co-worker who with great efficacy plan and organise different scientific studies.

At the Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Sweden:

Steven Nordin, associate professor, has the last years enriched and broadened our research in airway sensory hyperreactivity with psychological competence and never failing enthusiasm.