Multidisciplinary Approaches To Allergies

Allergy is an immunological disease caused by multiple factors and characterized by variability, specificity and complexity. "Multidisciplinary Approaches to Allergies" covers diverse aspects ranging from basic molecular mechanisms to societal issues within the framework of multidisciplinary approaches to allergies. It contains 29 chapters in 6 parts: General Allergy; Allergenic Sources and Allergens; Diagnosis; Therapies and Pharmacy; Hypoallergenic Products; Environment, Hygiene and Societal Issues. It can be used in education and research as introductory and supplementary material. It is also an indispensable tool for scientists and doctors who are searching for an integrated way for allergy prevention, treatment and management. Zhong-Shan Gao, Ph.D., is Professor of Fruit Science and Allergy at the Department of Horticulture and the Allergy Research Center, Zhejiang University, China. Hua-Hao Shen, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor of Respiratory Diseases at the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China, and Professor in the Chang Jiang Scholars Program (MOE). Min Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor of Dermatology at the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China. Lynn J. Frewer, Ph.D., is Professor of Food & Society at the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, UK. Luud J.W.J. Gilissen, Ph.D., is senior researcher at Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Netherlands.

In Western societies the incidence and prevalence of respiratory and food-related allergies have increased rapidly over the past decades. Changes in life style are thought to be involved in this increase, namely hygiene, child vaccination, housing insulation and food consumption patterns. This book reflects the current ideas for future possibilities of allergy prevention, using integrated and multidisciplinary strategies and covering the entire knowledge framework from comprehensive fundamental research to implementation into society.

In Western societies the incidence and prevalence of respiratory and food-related allergies have increased rapidly over the past decades. Changes in life style are thought to be involved in this increase, namely hygiene, child vaccination, housing insulation and food consumption patterns. This book reflects the current ideas for future possibilities of allergy prevention, using integrated and multidisciplinary strategies and covering the entire knowledge framework from comprehensive fundamental research to implementation into society.

This state-of-the-science reference provides valuable information on the pathophysiology and economic and social consequences of allergic skin reactions, as well as new treatments based on emerging concepts of skin disease pathobiology-addressing the epidemiology, mechanisms, occupational effects, environmental triggers, and quality-of-life concerns. Focuses on atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and allergic contact dermatitis, among other increasingly common skin disorders. Written by more than 35 leading researchers, Allergic Skin Disease reviews basic principles of the causes of allergic skin responses analyzes the role of key cell types, effector molecules, cytokines, mediators, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, and immunogenetic mechanisms showcases the dynamics of adhesion molecules and the pathophysiology of pruritus examines clinical features of skin allergies, particularly regarding immune mechanisms that determine pathogenic course and outcome investigates behaviors of keratinocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and endothelial cells explores phototherapy, photochemotherapy, immunomodulatory therapy, and traditional antiinflammatory therapy for recalcitrant skin diseases discusses anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions to insect bites surveys demographism, vibratory angioedema, and other types of urticaria identifies allergic and infectious triggers of skin disease and more! Containing over 1800 bibliographic citations, Allergic Skin Disease is a must-read resource for dermatologists, allergists, immunologists, pharmaceutical and cosmetic chemists, internists, pediatricians, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.

Over the past 20 years, public concerns have grown in response to the apparent rising prevalence of food allergy and related atopic conditions, such as eczema. Although evidence on the true prevalence of food allergy is complicated by insufficient or inconsistent data and studies with variable methodologies, many health care experts who care for patients agree that a real increase in food allergy has occurred and that it is unlikely to be due simply to an increase in awareness and better tools for diagnosis. Many stakeholders are concerned about these increases, including the general public, policy makers, regulatory agencies, the food industry, scientists, clinicians, and especially families of children and young people suffering from food allergy. At the present time, however, despite a mounting body of data on the prevalence, health consequences, and associated costs of food allergy, this chronic disease has not garnered the level of societal attention that it warrants. Moreover, for patients and families at risk, recommendations and guidelines have not been clear about preventing exposure or the onset of reactions or for managing this disease. Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy examines critical issues related to food allergy, including the prevalence and severity of food allergy and its impact on affected individuals, families, and communities; and current understanding of food allergy as a disease, and in diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and public policy. This report seeks to: clarify the nature of the disease, its causes, and its current management; highlight gaps in knowledge; encourage the implementation of management tools at many levels and among many stakeholders; and delineate a roadmap to safety for those who have, or are at risk of developing, food allergy, as well as for others in society who are responsible for public health.

Sleep-related abnormalities occurring as a result of allergic disorders can impact an affected individual’s health and overall well-being in a myriad of ways. This comprehensive book thoroughly covers the management of allergic and sleep disorders, providing a detailed discussion on how these co-occurring, often overlapping conditions can be treated in a personalized and patient-oriented manner. Allergy and Sleep: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice takes care to include a wide range of multidisciplinary perspectives required to effectively assess and manage allergy and sleep disorders, from allergists, sleep medicine specialists, otolaryngologists, and dermatologists, to primary care physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, and other researchers. Allergy and Sleep begins with a thorough grounding on the science of sleep, allergy, immunology, circadian rhythms and circadian immunology. Part II addresses assessment and treatment of common allergic diseases with comorbid sleep components, in a practical, easy-to-use case-based format. Later sections closely examine sleep-related disturbances commonly associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic disease; providing treatment guidelines, and detail various approaches to management throughout the patient’s lifespan. This resource concludes with a review of disease, sleep and circadian-specific therapeutics. Written by experts in their respective fields, Allergy and Sleep: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice is an ideal resource and important reference for any clinician working with patients suffering from sleep-related abnormalities due to allergic disorders.