Allergy

This revised and enlarged New Edition covers all of the newest developments in the understanding of the causes, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapy of allergic diseases. Readers will find complete and practical approaches for the assessment of allergic diseases, and detailed reviews of all diseases relevant to allergy and clinical immunology. Reviews of up-to-date methodology for the assessment of allergic diseases, including testing for specific allergen reactivity, pulmonary function testing, mucociliary clearance determination, rhinoscopy, and the use of MRI technology. Extensive discussions of the latest approaches to treatment including immunotherapy, corticosteroids, B agonists and anticholinergic agents, as well as antihistaminics, methyl xanthines, cromolyn sodium and related compounds--and the theoretical rationale for their use. Articles from experts in the field who have contributed to the knowledge base. WHAT'S NEW: Complete coverage of the latest discoveries regarding allergic mechanisms--including the structure and function of IgE, biochemical events associated with basophils and mast cell secretion, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, and genetics of allergy. New chapters in the basic science section and new chapters dealing with diagnostic methods, specific disease entities, and therapy. A new section, Immunologic Diseases, discusses congenital and acquired immunodeficiency diseases, AIDS, mechanisms of autoimmunity, rheumatoid arteritis, and other immune disorders likely to be seen in practice.