Product Description
Whether you're afflicted with seasonal allergies or endure allergy symptoms all year, you are not alone. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that 40 million to 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Allergies can range from irritating inconveniences to chronic debilitating conditions. They can even be life-threatening, as in the case of allergic shock, or anaphylaxis. Because of their potential severity and increasing prevalence, allergic reactions have been the focus of rigorous research. This work has resulted in a greater understanding of the complex nature of allergic reactions, which in turn has led to more effective allergy treatment options. While allergies still can't be cured, doctors are learning more about how to prevent them and how to manage allergy symptoms successfully. This means that you'll not only feel better but also be less likely to suffer the permanent tissue damage that can result from long-term allergies. This report will explain how and why an allergic reaction happens, discuss the advantages of newer treatments, and shed light on some controversial topics such as peanut allergies, alternative diagnostic approaches, and toxic house syndrome. When it comes to managing allergies, the watchword is avoidance, particularly of those triggers that fire the starter s gun on a full-blown allergic attack. Finally, this report will take a look ahead to what may be coming soon to an allergy clinic near you.
About the Author
Mariana C. Castells, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Associate Director, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Training Program, Brigham and Women s Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy.
