Synopsis:
Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans each year. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), about fifty percent of Americans test positive for at least one of the most common allergens: ragweed, pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mite, cockroaches, milk, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts. Symptoms associated with allergic reactions can range from mild annoyances to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency. Allergies Sourcebook, Sixth Edition provides updated information about the causes, triggers, treatments, and prevalence of common allergic disorders, including rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, dermatitis, eczema, hives, and anaphylaxis. It discusses the immune system and its role in the development of allergic disorders and describes such commonly encountered allergens as pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. Facts about allergies to foods and food additives, insect stings, medications, and chemicals are also included, along with information about allergy diagnosis, treatments, coping strategies, and prevention efforts. The book concludes with a glossary of related terms and directories of resources, including one to help people with food allergies find allergen-free foods. This book is divided into parts and chapters. Parts focus on broad areas of interest. Chapters are devoted to single topics within a part. Part One: Introduction to Allergies and the Immune System discusses the components and function of the immune system and explains the link between genes, environment, and allergy development. Facts about how allergies impair aspects of daily life, including sleep and cognitive function, and the impact of allergies on children are also included. Part Two: Types of Allergic Reactions identifies the signs and symptoms of common allergic reactions, including rhinitis (hay fever), sinusitis,
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