Many of us are affected by allergies, from the dreaded hayfever - the scourge of the summer - to much talked-about food allergies such as lactose and gluten. Dr Mike Dilkes, one of Harley Street's top Consultant ENT Surgeons, reveals his top tips for living with and treating an allergy. - Find out the difference between a sensitivity, an intolerance and an allergy - Discover how allergies affect your body and why - Learn how to see through the hype and take control of your own symptoms - Prevent attacks and treat outbreaks With a no-nonsense approach to this controversial topic, Stop Allergies from Ruining Your LIfe... The Easy Way provides a straightforward analysis ofthe latest scientific research, allowing you to live the life you want, whatever the season.

This book is a direct result of 10 years of the well-known "Autoimmunity Days" in Israel, which are increasingly becoming an international focal point for autoimmunity scientists. Top researchers provide coverage of the most important knowledge generated during the last decade. The volume can therefore be seen almost as a textbook on autoimmunity, projecting from the last decade to the next millennium.
A variety of different subjects in autoimmunity, from etiology to pathogenesis, from postulated mechanisms to innovative therapeutic modalities, is handled by noted contributors, while additional authors contribute top papers which significantly enhance a better understanding of autoimmunity.
An excellent treatise on the subject, and a worthwhile addition to both clinical and research libraries.

Case Studies in Allergic Disorders is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in immunology, medical students, and resident physicians. It describes the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of commonly occurring allergic diseases and introduces the rationale for targeted treatment of allergy. Replicating the successful approach of Case Studies in Immunology, the book presents mechanisms of hypersensitivity through a selection of clinical cases that reinforce and extend the basic science. The cases are largely drawn from the records of Children's Hospital Boston. Linking the discussion of pathogenesis to actual clinical presentation establishes important connections between the bench and bedside. The book can be used as either a stand-alone text or asa companion to Janeway's Immunobiology and The Immune System.

This book is intended as a manual and offers an essential tool for practicing and occupational dermatologists, for postgraduates training in dermatology and allergo-immunology, and for allergologists and occupational physicians. Moreover, the authors include information from the world literature, addressing the needs of those who work in industrial fields and are concerned about the dermatological safety of products. The book provides a handy update on this complex, rapidly evolving research area, and in particular, an in-depth analysis of its clinical aspects. It will enable dermatologists to recognize the various clinical manifestations of the condition, make a prompt diagnosis and choose the most effective treatment. Contact dermatitis, a vast and fascinating field of study, has a high frequency of occurrence worldwide in both children and adults of both sexes, and during their daily routine, dermatologists invariably encounter many patients with this disease. To ensure the proper management of these patients it is necessary first of all to formulate a clinical diagnosis on accurate morphological grounds, since it is the most clinically polymorphic disease in dermatology and hence very demanding in terms of differential diagnosis. Then, to achieve properly targeted prevention for each patient, it is essential to isolate the causes among the numerous etiological chemical agents present in both working and leisure time activities and environments. The aim of this book is therefore two-fold: firstly to provide information on the various clinical features of contact dermatitis and review their differential diagnosis, and secondly to provide a comprehensive etiological overview. Particular attention has been paid to the methodologies and importance of patch tests and other diagnostic tools, as well as to the principles of prognosis, treatment and rehabilitation, together with considerations on some preventive aspects underlying contact dermatitis. A wealth of color clinical images, as well as tables and explanatory diagrams, round out the book.

Skin physiology assessment is moving from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes in the stratum corneum, such as epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum hydration. New, non-invasive approaches offer reliable and reproducible methods for product testing in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, as well as in basic research. While standard instruments focus on functional aspects, innovative devices offer a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms. This book discusses the assessment of skin physiology and of skin functions in clinical studies using non-invasive biophysical instruments, offering readers a comprehensive guide to planning, performing and evaluating the results of scientific studies in skin measurement and the legal framework for these studies. Written by leading experts in the field, it focuses on practical aspects of non-invasive measurements. After introducing the legal aspects of the current framework for clinical cosmetic studies and basic research in cosmetology, it explores the technical practicalities of organizing a testing lab and the pre-requirements for planning a study. The third and main section addresses specific topics in cosmetic testing e.g. skin hydration, and also includes chapters on sensory aspects and in vivo skin structure vizualization. This new, updated edition of Practical Aspects of Cosmetic Testing is a valuable tool for researchers, students, and medical staff wanting to gain insights into how best to assess skin functions in controlled studies using non-invasive biophysical instruments.

In recent years, our understanding of the unified airway concept has become paramount in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of sinonasal, airway, and respiratory disorders. The relationship between sinonasal inflammatory disorders, such as chronic rhinosinusitis, and pulmonary disorders, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, is being examined more closely than ever before. This volume comprehensively reviews and discusses the unified airway approach, and more closely examines the relationship between sinonasal inflammatory disorders and pulmonary disorders. The text is formatted as an easy to read reference with bulleted points and sample case studies that maximize the clinical value of the evidence and data described. In addition to exploring chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis, other topics include pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, chronic bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, immunodeficiencies, and the unified airway microbiome. Rhinologic Disease and Respiratory Disorders will be an invaluable guide for practicing otolaryngologists, allergists, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists-in-training, and rhinologists. Foreword written by David W. Kennedy and Elina M. Toskala.

This volume provides protocols for mouse models of allergic diseases and guidelines for choosing a particular strains, allergen, adjuvant, and route of sensitization. Chapters detail types of allergic disease, methods that are frequently employed to analyze pathophysiology of allergic diseases, manipulation of intestinal microbiota, and desensitization of immure responses in animal models. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Animal Models of Allergic Disease: Methods and Protocols aims to offer a comprehensive collection of protocols and experience-derived instructions to further allergic disease research.

Continuing the exciting series of "BNF Task Force Reports", "Adverse Reactions to Foods" covers in depth food allergy, food intolerance, nutrition and the immune system and autoimmune disease. Chaired by Professor Dame Barbara Clayton, task force members have provided cutting edge information, which is a must-have reference for a whole range of professionals, including dietitians, nutritionists, health visitors, family practitioners, nursing practitioners and many other health professionals.

This title looks at food allergies. These affect millions of people including children and currently there are no known 'cures' for these allergic reactions. The eight primary food allergies are to milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, though someone may, also, be allergic to medication.

This comprehensive book thoroughly covers the spectrum of rhinitis conditions and related comorbidities. Rhinitis and Related Upper Respiratory Conditions is a unique resource that delivers essential clinical information, addressing the varying patient populations which might be encountered in different types of clinical settings. Chapters range from topics such as pediatric, adult, geriatric, and occupational rhinitis, while also covering the full array of rhinitis subtypes and their complications. Later chapters address secondary causes of rhinitis such as systemic diseases manifesting as rhinitis, drug-induced rhinitis, and CSF leak. Written by experts in the field, every chapter is structured to contain clinical cases which illustrate the typical patient presentation, and their diagnostic work-up and treatment, providing the knowledge needed to further improve diagnosis and care for the patient with rhinitis. Rhinitis and Related Upper Respiratory Conditions is an ideal resource for allergists, primary care physicians, and health care extenders, to help them recognize and further improve care of patients with rhinitis.

Childhood allergies are booming, but what if there was a way to prevent allergies in the first place? What if simple lifestyle changes in the critical first 1000 days could change your baby's life? For families across the world, eczema, asthma, hay fever and food allergies are constant anxieties, sometimes with devastating consequences. Leading gastroenterologist Dr Vincent Ho has taken a deep dive into the exploding medical field of gut health and explains that from conception to birth, and from breastfeeding to the introduction of solid foods, small steps go a long way in preventing allergies and fortifying your baby's immune system. Dr Ho cuts through the scientific jargon to provide strategies for allergy management and treatment, and shows you how to strengthen your child's gut health for the long term - all before they begin to walk. The Healthy Baby Gut Guide is packed with sensible advice, surprising scientific discoveries and even a nutritionist-approved nine-week infant meal plan to help parents navigate the introduction of common allergenic foods. Practical, easy-to-follow and utterly eye-opening, this book is essential reading for every parent and parent-to-be. 'Essential reading for every parent and parent-to-be.' - Dr Rupy Aujla, Author & Founder, The Doctor's Kitchen 'This is a really useful guide. Dr Vincent Ho has put together an easy to read and understand book on how to reduce allergies in children. I highly recommend this book in your list of baby books to read.' - Dr Sonny Chong, Consultant Paediatrician and Gastroenterologist, Queen Mary's Hospital for Children 'A terrific evidence-based guide to help parents foster the optimum gut health for their babies. As a mother and scientist, I will turn to this book time and time again. Dr Ho is clearly and expert in his field, navigating a tricky subject with admirable ease and dexterity.' - Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed

This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Peck Ong and Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, is devoted to Allergic Skin Diseases. Articles in this issue include Wet-wrap Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis; Biologics in Chronic Urticaria; Clinical Measures of Chronic Urticaria; Cutaneous Manifestation of Drug Allergy; Itch in Atopic Dermatitis; Biomarkers in Atopic Dermatitis; Differential Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis; Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Urticaria; ACE-inhibitor-induced Angioedema; The Role of Fungi in Atopic Dermatitis; Cutaneous Manifestation of Food Allergy; Pediatric Mastocytosis; Allergic Contact Dermatitis; Hereditary Angioedema; Infectious Complications in Atopic Dermatitis; and Cutaneous Manifestations Primary Immunodeficiency/Autoimmunity.

Japanese Kampo Medicines for the Treatment of Common Diseases - Focus on Inflammation provides researchers and clinicians with a current look at how Kampo medicines can be used to effectively treat inflammatory disorders. Japanese Kampo medicines are a mixture of natural and herbal medicines that are available in Japan for the treatment of various diseases. Given their therapeutic potential, they are often prescribed instead of, or alongside, allopathic medicines. Kampo medicines are becoming more widespread and have proven effective for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases, such as colitis, dermatitis, myocarditis, hepatitis, cardiomyopathy, and nephritis. This book offers background on Japanese Kampo medicines, along with a compilation of the published scientific data for several different types of Kampo medicines. It is an evidence-based guide for all those involved in, or interested in, the research and practice of Kampo medicine.

Histamine is an important mediator of allergic diseases, but knowledge of histamine as a cause of numerous non-allergic symptoms and signs is limited. This book offers wide-ranging coverage of histamine intolerance. There is extensive background discussion of the origin of histamine, its content in food and alcoholic beverages and intolerance to red wine. Diagnosis of histamine intolerance is explained and the various symptoms of histamine intolerance are clearly described. Subsequent chapters cover the relation of histamine to a wide variety of conditions, including drug intolerance, atopic dermatitis, seasickness and osteoporosis. This book will prove of value in clinical practice by facilitating differential diagnosis, which is by no means straightforward given the multiplicity of symptoms of histamine intolerance and by assisting in the selection of therapeutic measures.

Respiratory allergy is constantly encountered and is sharply on the rise, particularly in the two most vulnerable age-groups: young children and seniors. Allergy results in airway hyperactivity and increased airway resistance, with all inflammatory sequelae being ensued. The chapters show how respiratory allergy research is interconnected with other disciplines by discussing neurotransmitter, membrane receptor, and ionic channel mechanisms of allergy and by giving diagnostic and pharmacological cues on desensitization and therapy.

Allergy and Allergen Immunotherapy: New Mechanisms and Strategies is a valuable and comprehensive book that covers allergy and causative allergens and provides diagnostic and therapeutic aspects as well. With chapters from internationally recognized experts in the field, the book provides a balanced approach to enumerating pollen allergens as well as allergy diagnosis and therapeutic management and safety assessment of genetically engineered food allergens. The book features a special section on allergic diseases and allergens from tropical countries, including such countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Iran, and South Korea, giving the book a global appeal. The book is broken in the following sections: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Diagnosis of Allergy Aerobiology and Allergic Diseases Pollen Allergy in the Tropics and Temperate Regions Allergy in Children Food Allergy Evaluation Allergen Immunotherapy and Anti IgE The book deals not only on basics of allergy and allergen immunotherapy but also discusses indoor environments and safety considerations of genetically modified food allergens. The first of its kind volume from the Indian subcontinent that caters to the needs of clinicians, aerobiologists, environmentalists, and regulatory agencies as well, the volume will be of immense interest for clinicians and patients of allergy as well as diagnostic and therapeutic management of allergy in tropics.

Despite wide recognition as a serious public health problem, anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity reactions remain under-recognized and under-diagnosed. This book fills the gaps in our understanding of the identification of triggers, recognition of clinical presentations, understanding of the natural history of these reactions, and selection of treatment strategies including those focused on cellular and molecular targets. The book provides a detailed examination of disease etiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology and their correlation to clinical practice. Forefront knowledge of the mediators and mechanisms of anaphylaxis is covered with an emphasis on how new discoveries shape our current and emerging therapies.

Urticaria is one of the most common diseases in dermatology and allergy. Unlike many other diseases, the ? eeting nature of the wheals makes ? rst diagnosis by both patients and phy- cians in many cases easy. However, this only refers to the ordinary wheals. The disease itself is highly complex in nature, with variety of clinical manifestations ranging from pinpoi- sized wheals to extensive angiodema. Complexity is also seen in the diversity of possible eliciting factors, the many different clinical subtypes and the therapeutic responsiveness. Only in recent years has a better understanding of the diversity in the different subtypes led to new classi? cations and new evidence-based guidelines for diagnostics and mana- ment of the disease. While mast cells are in the center of most urticaria reactions, it is now clearly understood that the responsible mediators are not only limited to histamines. The current book appears in a series of books by Springer. In 1986, the ? rst monograph was edited by Professor Henz nee Chanewsky. Since then, two updates of the book have appeared in the German language with Professor Henz as ? rst editor and T. Zuberbier, J. Grabbe, and E. Monroe as the co-editors of the most recent English version, published in 1998. All these books have been written as a joint effort of Professor Henz together with her team at the Department of Dermatology at the Virchow Clinic, Humboldt University, Berlin.

This dictionary provides a comprehensive list of the terms and definitions commonly used in clinical rheumatology and osteology, and the new edition has been extended to include more than 50 additional entries. The book contains systematic descriptions relating to diseases of the locomotor apparatus, including osteoporosis, and important laboratory findings; special reference is made to the immunological parameters, which are essential for correct definition of rheumatologic disorders. Another focus is the general principles of pharmacological treatment, including biologicals and modern therapy. Information is also provided on individual disorders in the field of mineral metabolism and metabolic osteopathies and basic issues in rheumatic surgery. General entries are included from the fields of physical medicine and physiotherapy, including a system of functional assessment. The Dictionary of Rheumatology will be of value for medical students and all who are training in this specialty.

In this updated third edition, expert physicians assemble user-friendly, clinically-oriented guides to aid in the day-to-day management of the allergic patient. With an emphasis on common allergic diseases and the pharmacological tools to control them, this book disseminates the practical knowledge that practitioners have accumulated through practice and teaching. Three new chapters focus on antihistamines, antileukotrienes, and children experiencing recurrent respiratory tract infections. This book is intended for the front-line physician who cares for allergic patients. It will help any physician improve the care offered to those patients.

This Brief concerns the influence of chemistry in the modern food and beverages industry. The world of traditional foods has been soundlessly but increasingly interconnected with the chemical industry in the last century. Different areas are considered in a multidisciplinary approach: - the production of chemical additives and of non-food components needed in the food industry (e.g. packaging materials) - the regulatory perspective of the whole food production chain - commercialization of food commodities - the problem of food safety from the viewpoint of official auditors with medical or veterinarian competencies - new and emerging risks related to food packaging materials - the assessment of the authenticity of edible products. This Brief includes different viewpoints, ranging from the management of allergens and food additives in the food plant to the complex matter of the formulation of traditional products with the consequent production of "alternative" versions of the same food.

During the last decade or so vaccine development has been facilitated by rapid ad- vances in the molecular and cell biology ofthe immune system. This has laid the foundations of a new generation of vaccines exemplified by subunit vaccines produced through gene cloning and by synthetic peptides mimicking small regions ofproteins on the outer coat ofvi- ruses. However, as subunit and peptide vaccines are only weakly or non-immunogenic, there is areal need for strategies to improve their potency. This book contains the proceedings of the 5th NATO Advanced Studies Institute (ASI), "Vaccine Design: The Role of Cytokine Networks," held at Cape Sounion Beach, Greece, during 24 June-5 July 1996 and deals in depth with the role ofbasic immunology in the regulation of immunity and vaccine design. Special emphasis is given to the use of cyto- kines in conjuction with vaccines with the aim ofimproving their potency or the use ofvac- cines designed to improve cytokine production. We express our appreciation to Dr. J.-L. Virelizier and Dr. G. Kollias for their cooperation in planning the ASI and to Mrs. Concha Perring for her excellent production ofthe manuscripts. The ASI was held under the sponsor- ship of NATO Scientific Affairs Division and generously co-sponsored by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (Philadelphia). Financial assistance was also provided by Connaught Laboratories Ltd. (Ontario), Pasteur Merieux (Marcy I 'Etoile), Biochine (Siena), Help SA (Athens), and Avanti Polar Lipids Inc. (Birmingham, USA).

As a phylogenetically old system complement is now regarded as a part of innate immunity. But it is much more than that. It bridges innate and adapted immunity, participates not only in host defense but also in many essential physiological processes, old and new diseases and adverse conditions. Indeed, complement became a term that almost defies categorization. What was for a long time a subject for a limited number of specialists has now moved into the mainstream of experimental and clinical immunology. In 1973 I visited the Basel Institute of Immunology and met its director, the eminent scientist and Nobel laureate Nils Jerne. When I entered his office he greeted me with the following words: "Complement, does that really exist?" I was never certain whether he wanted only to tease me or whether he sincerely believed that the complement system was an unimportant biological curiosity, a misstep of evolution. But, of course, missteps do not survive the evolutionary process. Little did I foresee the dramatic developments of recent years when Hans J. Muller-Eberhard and I started to unravel the specifics of the action of the cobra venom factor on the complement system in 1968 and defined a new pathway to its activation. An elucidation of the role of the system in diseases and its control for therapeutic reasons is now getting closer to actual realization in the clinic although many problems, in particular those of highly specificinhibition free of side effects, have still to be resolved."

Although the mechanisms and triggers that stimulate and are responsible for the natural history ofasthma are steadily being more clearly defined, uncertainties still surround both the genetic basis and the etiologyofone of the most common syndromes in the world. In fact, it is ofconsider- able concern and interest that the incidence of asthma today appears to be rising. These statistical increments may only reflect an increasing awareness of the disease, or its earlier and more sophisticated diagnosis. More important, however, asthma mortality appears to be increasing. This increase has occurred despite the continuing expansion of a diag- nostic and management information base, and the developmentofnovel andevermoreeffective therapeutic modalities. Severalexplanations have been offered for this increase in mortality, including that it may result from a statistical artifact [based on a change in the coding criteria for asthma from the International ClassificationofDiseases Version 8(ICD- 8) to ICD-9], worsened pollution, delays in seeking medical help, behav- ioral changes, deficits in the asthma education of both patients and primary careproviders, toxicity ofbeta-agonists, and noncompliance with instructions for the proper use of medications. It should also be empha- sized that the increases in both incidence and mortality may be a reflec- tion of accumulating body burdens of environmental toxicants and of increased oxidativedamage. There has clearly beenadegradation ofenvi- ronmental quality. And although considerableattention has been focused on this possibility in both the scientific and lay press, more research in this area is definitely needed.