Understanding and Managing Allergies

The conditions caused due to the hypersensitivity of the immune system to the substances present in the environment that are generally harmless for people are called allergies. Some common allergies are food allergies, hay fever, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. Symptoms include itchy rashes, runny nose, swelling, red eyes and shortness of breath. Some specific foods, medications, metal and pollen insect stings are some common causes of allergy. Blood tests, skin prick tests, patch tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioallergosorbent test (RAST) are the main diagnostic techniques. Treatment methods include allergen immunotherapy and enzyme potentiated desensitization. The topics included in this book on allergies are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of allergies and the recent researches related to such medical conditions. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.