From Library Journal
This is a true encyclopedia of allergies. Alphabetically arranged entries range in length from two- to three-sentence definitions (housefly bites, immunopathology) to two- to three-page essays (AIDS, asthma, immune system). Lipkowitz, an allergist, and Navarra, a registered nurse, provide information on the symptoms, treatment, and statistics for a broad spectrum of allergies: inherited, occupational and environmentally induced, asthma, pollens, pets, food, insect bites, dust, and molds. Enhanced by more than 25 tables and large, easy-to-read type, this volume also features appendixes (pollen locations by region, a list of allergy tests available today, allergy organizations) and plentiful cross references. Recommended as supplementary reference material; libraries that need a basic practical coping book would be better served by Allergies: Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment and Daily Management (Consumer Reports, 1992).
Mary Prottsman, Medical Lib., Enterprise, Ala.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Allergies to food, medications, plants, or other environmental agents are very common.
Allergies A-Z, written by a physician-pharmacist and a nurse, will answer many questions posed at reference desks about these conditions and the function of the immune system. It is an excellent introduction to a complex subject.
The book begins with a brief chronology of the history of allergy and immunology, noting that the Egyptian pharaoh Menes died from an anaphylactic reaction to a wasp sting in 2640 B.C. The main body of the text is an alphabetical list of entries ranging in length from several lines to several pages. Topics include medical and biological terms (antibody, expectorant); conditions (grocer's itch, polymer fume fever); allergens (ragweed, citrus fruit); treatments and tests (postural drainage, challenge); drugs (diphenhydramine); and important contributors to the field. Major topics such as asthma are covered in a series of entries. Drugs are listed by their generic names with see references from their brand names. Other immunological diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, and lupus are also included. Numerous tables offer diverse information such as lists of trees and weeds that cause hay fever, drugs to avoid if one is sensitive to aspirin, measures for reducing exposure to cat allergens, and the incidence of asthma on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. Several appendixes list pollens in the U.S. and Canada by region, available radioallergoabsorbant (RAST) allergy tests, professional and lay organizations, and guidelines for camps for children with asthma. A bibliography of medical and lay literature from the 1980s and 1990s and a detailed index complete the text.
Easy to use, reasonably priced, and current, Allergies A-Z is a fine introduction to allergy and immunology. It is a good ready-reference source as well as a starting point for research and will be a good addition to public and consumer-health library collections.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
