Provides basic consumer health information about allergic disorders, such as anaphylaxis, hives, eczema, rhinitis, sinusitis, and conjunctivitis, and their triggers, including pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, insects, chemicals, food, food additives, and medications. Along with advice about the diagnosis and treatment of allergy symptoms, a Glossary of related Terms, a Directory of Resources for Help and Information, and Suggestions for Additional Reading. An allergy occurs when a person's immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as food, medicine, pollen, or animal dander. Allergic disorders affect more than 50 million Americans, causing symptoms that range from annoying to downright deadly, and treatment and diagnosis of allergies costs the U.S. health care system $18 billion dollars annually. Despite the high health care costs associated with allergy treatment, the prevalence of some types of allergic disorders, such as eczema and rhinitis, appears to be increasing. The good news is that in many cases, learning about allergy triggers and how to avoid them, medications, and new allergy therapies may alleviate allergy sufferers' symptoms. Allergies Sourcebook provides information about the immune system, its role in the development of allergic disorders, and the prevalence of allergies in adults and children in the United States. Readers will learn about common types of allergic disorders, including rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, hives, dermatitis, eczema, and life-threatening anaphylaxis, as well as allergies to latex, poisonous plants, insect stings, and medications. Information about allergies to foods and food additives is included, along with comprehensive facts about common allergy triggers, such as ragweed, mold, dust mites, cockroach allergen, animal dander, and chemicals. Facts about diagnosis, treatment, and allergy prevention are also offered, along with a glossary of related terms, a directory of government and resources, and suggestions for additional reading.

pt. 1.ch 1. ch. 2. ch. 3. ch. 4. The Preface -- Facts about allergies and the immune system -- Understanding the immune system and its role in allergic disease -- Allergies in the United States -- Section 2.1 : Allergies : a leading cause of chronic disease -- Section 2.2 : More than half the U.S. population is sensitive to one or more allergens -- Section 2.3 : Americans underestimate the consequences of allergies -- Section 2.4 : The economic cost of allergies : a closer look at spending for allergy medications -- Questions and answers about allergies and allergens -- impact of allergies on children and adolescents -- Section 4.1 : Allergies in children -- Section 4.2 : Early fevers may affect allergy risk later in childhood -- Section 4.3 : Do childhood vaccines cause allergies? -- Section 4.4 : Allergies linked to poor grades, missed school, and less sleep -- Section 4.5 : Over-the-counter allergy treatments can hinder learning -- Preface -- pt. 1.; Facts about allergies and the immune system -- ch 1.; Understanding the immune system and its role in allergic disease -- ch. 2.; Allergies in the United States -- Section 2.1 : Allergies : a leading cause of chronic disease -- Section 2.2 : More than half the U.S. population is sensitive to one or more allergens -- Section 2.3 : Americans underestimate the consequences of allergies -- Section 2.4 : The economic cost of allergies : a closer look at spending for allergy medications -- ch. 3.; Questions and answers about allergies and allergens -- ch. 4. The impact of allergies on children and adolescents -- Section 4.1 : Allergies in children -- Section 4.2 : Early fevers may affect allergy risk later in childhood -- Section 4.3 : Do childhood vaccines cause allergies? -- Section 4.4 : Allergies linked to poor grades, missed school, and less sleep -- Section 4.5 : Over-the-counter allergy treatments can hinder learning -- ch. 5. The relationship between allergies and asthma -- Section 5.1 : Asthma and the allergic response -- Section 5.2 : Do allergies cause asthma? -- ch. 6. The hygiene hypothesis : exposure to diseases may prevent allergy development -- ch. 7. The link between allergic diseases and cognitive impairment -- pt. 2.; What you should know about allergic reactions -- ch. 8.; Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) -- Section 8.1 : Facts about allergic rhinitis -- Section 8.2 : Nasal wash treatment for people with allergic rhinitis -- Section 8.3 : Nasal sprays : how to use them correctly -- ch. 9.; Sinusitis and related conditions -- Section 9.1 : What is sinusitis? -- Section 9.2 : Sinusitis and headaches -- Section 9.3 : Fungal sinusitis : an allergic reaction to environmental fungi -- Section 9.4 : Nasal polyps and sinusitis -- Section 9. 5 : Postnasal drip -- ch. 10.; Treating sinusitis -- Section 10.1 : Remedies for sinus headaches -- Section 10.2 : Antibiotics and sinusitis -- Section 10.3 : Sinus surgery -- Section 10.4 : Complications of sinus surgery -- Section 10.5 : What to expect after sinus surgery -- ch. 11.; Allergic conjunctivitis -- ch. 12.; Allergic urticaria (hives) and angiodema -- ch. 13.; Contact dermatitis : skin reactions to allergens or irritants -- Section 13.1 : Understanding contact dermatitis -- Section 13.2 : Facila contact dermatitis -- Section 13.3 : Metal allergy : a form of allergic contact dermatitis -- Section 13.4 : Poison ivy, oak, and sumac allergy -- ch. 14.; Eczema (atopic dermatitis) -- Section 14.1 : All about eczema -- Section 14.2 : Caring for a child with eczema -- Section 14.3 : Information for teenagers with eczema -- ch. 15.; Medications used to treat eczema -- Section 15.1 : Overview of new treatments for eczema -- Section 15.2 : Medications and other therapies used to treat eczema -- Section 15.3 : Pimecrolimus cream -- pt. 3.; Foods and food additives that trigger allergic reactions -- ch. 17.; Understanding food allergy -- ch. 18.; Food allergy myths and facts -- ch. 19.; Egg allergy -- Section 19.1 : What is egg allergy? -- Section 19.2 : Tips for managing an egg allergy -- ch. 20.; Milk allergy -- ch. 21.; Tree nut and peanut allergy -- Section 21.1 : Understanding nut and peanut allergy -- Section 21.2 : Eating a nut- and peanut-free diet -- ch. 22.; Seafood allergy -- Section 22.1 : Understanding seafood allergy -- Section 22.2 : Tips for managing a fish or shellfish allergy -- ch. 23.; Wheat allergy -- Section 23.1 : What is wheat allergy? -- Section 23.2 : Tips for managing a wheat allergy -- ch. 24.; Other types of food allergy -- Section 24.1 : Soy allergy -- Section 24.2 : Sesame seed allergy -- ch. 25.; Food additives and chemicals that may cause allergic reactions -- Section 25.1 : Facts about food additives -- Section 25.2 : Histamine intolerance -- Section 25.3 : Sulfite sensitivity -- ch. 26.; Oral allergy syndrome -- ch. 27.; Eosinophilic esophagitis and its relations to food allergies -- Section 27.1 : What is eosinophilic esophagitis? -- Section 27.2 : Scientists discover genetic profile of eosinophilic esophagitis -- ch. 28.; Avoiding food allergy triggers -- Section 28.1 : Decoding food labels : tools for people with food allergies -- Section 28.2 : Consumers with allergies will benefit from improved food labels -- ch. 29.; Reducing allergy risk and caring for your child with food allergies -- Section 29. 1 : The timing of solids introduction to infants and the relationship to food allergies -- Section 29.2 : Babies at high risk for allergies may benefit form formulas free of cow's milk and soy proteins -- Section 29.3 : Feeding your food-allergic child -- pt. 4.; Airborne, chemical and other environmental allergy triggers -- ch. 30.; Airborne allergens : something in the air -- ch. 31.; Pollen and ragweed -- Section 31.1 : What is ragweed allergy? -- Section 31.2 : Experimental ragweed therapy offers relief with fewer shots -- ch. 32.; Common indoor triggers : mold, dust mites, and cockroach allergens -- Section 32.1 : Mold -- Section 32.2 : Dust mites -- Section 32.3 : Facts about cockroach allergy -- Section 32.4 : Cockroach allergens have the greatest impact on childhood asthma in many U.S. cities -- ch. 33.; Animal and pet dander -- Section 33.1 : Understanding animal allergy -- Section 33.2 : Myths and facts about allergies and pets -- Section 33.3 : Dog and cat allergens are universally present in U.S. homes -- Section 33.4 : Multiple pets may decrease children's allergy risk -- ch. 34.; Chemicals, pollution, and other irritants -- Section 34.1 : Understanding chemical sensitivity -- Section 34.2 : Environmental illness (multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome) -- Section 34.3 : Diesel emissions can trigger allergic symptoms -- ch. 35.; Insect venom allergy -- Section 35.1 : Allergic reactions to insect venom -- Section 35.2 : Insect sting allergies during childhood often do not fade away during adult years -- ch. 36.; Allergic reactions to medications and ingredients in medical products -- Section 36.1 : Allergic reactions to medicines -- Section 36.2 : Antibiotic-related allergic reactions -- Section 36.3 : Latex allergy -- pt. 5.; Diagnosing and treating allergies -- ch. 37.; When should I see an allergist? -- ch. 38.; Overview of allergy tests -- ch. 39.; Skin testing to diagnose allergies -- ch. 40.; Blood test to screen for allergies -- ch. 41.; Testing for food allergies : food challenge tests -- Section 41.1 : What is a food challenge? -- Section 41.2 : The importance of a food challenge -- ch 42. An; overview of allergy medications -- ch. 43.; Antihistamines, decongestants, and cold remedies for allergies -- ch. 44.; Corticosteroids for allergic conditions -- ch. 45.; Allergy shots and immunotherapy -- ch. 46.; Alternative medicine treatments for allergies -- Section 46.1 : All about alternative therapies for allergies -- Section 46.2 : Antibiotic desensitization useful for allergy to life-saving drug -- Section 46.3 : Stopping symptoms before they start : anti-IgE therapy -- ch. 47.; Using allergy medications during pregnancy -- ch. 48.; Treating allergies at school -- Section 48.1 : Treating allergic reactions at school -- Section 48.2 : Injectable epinephrine and medic-alert bracelets -- Section 48.3 : The Americans with Disabilities Act : how it affects children with allergies -- pt. 6.; Avoiding triggers and preventing allergy symptoms -- ch. 49.; managing your home environment -- Section 49.1 : Controlling allergy triggers at home -- Section 49.2 : Bleach found to neutralize mold allergens -- 49.3 : How to create a dust-free bedroom -- Section 49.4 : Air filters : what do I need to know? -- ch. 50.; Controlling outdoor triggers -- Section 50.1 : Checking pollen and mold counts in your area -- Section 50.2 : Exercising tips for people with allergies -- Section 50.3 : Gardening tips for people with allergies -- ch. 51.; Preventing allergic reactions away from home -- Section 51.1 : Day-care settings are a significant source of indoor allergens -- Section 51.2 : Choosing child care for children with allergies -- Section 51.3 : Travel tips for people with allergies -- ch. 52.; Choosing skin-safe cosmetics -- pt. 7.; Additional help and information -- ch. 53.; Glossary of terms related to allergies -- ch. 54.; Directory of government and private resources that provide information about allergies and immunology -- ch. 55.; Additional reading for people with allergies and their families -- Index. ch. 5. The ch. 6. The ch. 7. The pt. 2. ch. 8. ch. 9. ch. 10. relationship between allergies and asthma -- Section 5.1 : Asthma and the allergic response -- Section 5.2 : Do allergies cause asthma? -- hygiene hypothesis : exposure to diseases may prevent allergy development -- link between allergic diseases and cognitive impairment -- What you should know about allergic reactions -- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) -- Section 8.1 : Facts about allergic rhinitis -- Section 8.2 : Nasal wash treatment for people with allergic rhinitis -- Section 8.3 : Nasal sprays : how to use them correctly -- Sinusitis and related conditions -- Section 9.1 : What is sinusitis? -- Section 9.2 : Sinusitis and headaches -- Section 9.3 : Fungal sinusitis : an allergic reaction to environmental fungi -- Section 9.4 : Nasal polyps and sinusitis -- Section 9. 5 : Postnasal drip -- Treating sinusitis -- Section 10.1 : Remedies for sinus headaches -- Section 10.2 : Antibiotics and sinusitis -- Section 10.3 : Sinus surgery -- Section 10.4 : Complications of sinus surgery -- Section 10.5 : What to expect after sinus surgery -- ch. 11. ch. 12. ch. 13. ch. 14. ch. 15. pt. 3. ch. 17. ch. 18. Allergic conjunctivitis -- Allergic urticaria (hives) and angiodema -- Contact dermatitis : skin reactions to allergens or irritants -- Section 13.1 : Understanding contact dermatitis -- Section 13.2 : Facila contact dermatitis -- Section 13.3 : Metal allergy : a form of allergic contact dermatitis -- Section 13.4 : Poison ivy, oak, and sumac allergy -- Eczema (atopic dermatitis) -- Section 14.1 : All about eczema -- Section 14.2 : Caring for a child with eczema -- Section 14.3 : Information for teenagers with eczema -- Medications used to treat eczema -- Section 15.1 : Overview of new treatments for eczema -- Section 15.2 : Medications and other therapies used to treat eczema -- Section 15.3 : Pimecrolimus cream -- Foods and food additives that trigger allergic reactions -- Understanding food allergy -- Food allergy myths and facts -- ch. 19. -- Egg allergy -- Section 19.1 : What is egg allergy? -- Section 19.2 : Tips for managing an egg allergy -- ch. 20. ch. 21. ch. 22. ch. 23. ch. 24. ch. 25. ch. 26. ch. 27. Section 27.1 : What is eosinophilic esophagitis? -- ch. 28. Milk allergy -- Tree nut and peanut allergy -- Section 21.1 : Understanding nut and peanut allergy -- Section 21.2 : Eating a nut- and peanut-free diet -- Seafood allergy -- Section 22.1 : Understanding seafood allergy -- Section 22.2 : Tips for managing a fish or shellfish allergy -- Wheat allergy -- Section 23.1 : What is wheat allergy? -- Section 23.2 : Tips for managing a wheat allergy -- Other types of food allergy -- Section 24.1 : Soy allergy -- Section 24.2 : Sesame seed allergy -- Food additives and chemicals that may cause allergic reactions -- Section 25.1 : Facts about food additives -- Section 25.2 : Histamine intolerance -- Section 25.3 : Sulfite sensitivity -- Oral allergy syndrome -- Eosinophilic esophagitis and its relations to food allergies -- Section 27.2 : Scientists discover genetic profile of eosinophilic esophagitis -- Avoiding food allergy triggers -- Section 28.1 : Decoding food labels : tools for people with food allergies -- Section 28.2 : Consumers with allergies will benefit from improved food labels -- ch. 29. pt. 4. ch. 30. ch. 31. ch. 32. ch. 33. Reducing allergy risk and caring for your child with food allergies -- Section 29. 1 : The timing of solids introduction to infants and the relationship to food allergies -- Section 29.2 : Babies at high risk for allergies may benefit form formulas free of cow's milk and soy proteins -- Section 29.3 : Feeding your food-allergic child -- Airborne, chemical and other environmental allergy triggers -- Airborne allergens : something in the air -- Pollen and ragweed -- Section 31.1 : What is ragweed allergy? -- Section 31.2 : Experimental ragweed therapy offers relief with fewer shots -- Common indoor triggers : mold, dust mites, and cockroach allergens -- Section 32.1 : Mold -- Section 32.2 : Dust mites -- Section 32.3 : Facts about cockroach allergy -- Section 32.4 : Cockroach allergens have the greatest impact on childhood asthma in many U.S. cities -- Animal and pet dander -- Section 33.1 : Understanding animal allergy -- Section 33.2 : Myths and facts about allergies and pets -- Section 33.3 : Dog and cat allergens are universally present in U.S. homes -- Section 33.4 : Multiple pets may decrease children's allergy risk -- ch. 34. ch. 35. ch. 36. pt. 5. ch. 37. ch. 38. ch. 39. ch. 40. ch 42. An ch. 43. ch. 44. ch. 45. Chemicals, pollution, and other irritants -- Section 34.1 : Understanding chemical sensitivity -- Section 34.2 : Environmental illness (multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome) -- Section 34.3 : Diesel emissions can trigger allergic symptoms -- Insect venom allergy -- Section 35.1 : Allergic reactions to insect venom -- Section 35.2 : Insect sting allergies during childhood often do not fade away during adult years -- Allergic reactions to medications and ingredients in medical products -- Section 36.1 : Allergic reactions to medicines -- Section 36.2 : Antibiotic-related allergic reactions -- Section 36.3 : Latex allergy -- Diagnosing and treating allergies -- When should I see an allergist? -- Overview of allergy tests -- Skin testing to diagnose allergies -- Blood test to screen for allergies -- ch. 41. -- Testing for food allergies : food challenge tests -- Section 41.1 : What is a food challenge? -- Section 41.2 : The importance of a food challenge -- overview of allergy medications -- Antihistamines, decongestants, and cold remedies for allergies -- Corticosteroids for allergic conditions -- Allergy shots and immunotherapy -- ch. 46. ch. 48. pt. 6. ch. 49. 49.3 : How to create a dust-free bedroom -- ch. 50. Alternative medicine treatments for allergies -- Section 46.1 : All about alternative therapies for allergies -- Section 46.2 : Antibiotic desensitization useful for allergy to life-saving drug -- Section 46.3 : Stopping symptoms before they start : anti-IgE therapy -- ch. 47. -- Using allergy medications during pregnancy -- Treating allergies at school -- Section 48.1 : Treating allergic reactions at school -- Section 48.2 : Injectable epinephrine and medic-alert bracelets -- Section 48.3 : The Americans with Disabilities Act : how it affects children with allergies -- Avoiding triggers and preventing allergy symptoms -- managing your home environment -- Section 49.1 : Controlling allergy triggers at home -- Section 49.2 : Bleach found to neutralize mold allergens -- Section 49.4 : Air filters : what do I need to know? -- Controlling outdoor triggers -- Section 50.1 : Checking pollen and mold counts in your area -- Section 50.2 : Exercising tips for people with allergies -- Section 50.3 : Gardening tips for people with allergies -- ch. 51. ch. 52. pt. 7. ch. 53. ch. 54. ch. 55. Preventing allergic reactions away from home -- Section 51.1 : Day-care settings are a significant source of indoor allergens -- Section 51.2 : Choosing child care for children with allergies -- Section 51.3 : Travel tips for people with allergies -- Choosing skin-safe cosmetics -- Additional help and information -- Glossary of terms related to allergies -- Directory of government and private resources that provide information about allergies and immunology -- Additional reading for people with allergies and their families -- Index.