Allergy Made Simple: For Those Who are Allergic and for Those Who Might Become So

why do more and more people suffer from allergies? What are allergies anyway? What kind of allergies exist and what can you do if you suffer from them? These are central questions that are answered in this book, in a straightforward and down-to-earth way. The witty and informative text (which is even accompanied by some interludes in song), is illustrated with poignant cartoons emphasizing the points in the text that are of most importance to patients with allergic disorders and to the physicians who deal with them.

Table of Contents:
Things you should know; where does the word "allergy" come from and what does it actually mean?; are allergies an illness of our times?; can allergies indirectly cause death in non-allergic people?; when were allergies first described?; how to be informed if you're allergic to pollen?; what is a pollen trap?; what can the allergic driver do?; what further help is available?; why do people who are allergic to tree pollen suffer in January and May?; pollen and the environment?; pollen allergies and your date of birth; house dust mites and other perennial allergens; what can you do if you're allergic to house dust mites?; what can you do if you're allergic to cat and dog hair?; allergies in the classroom; allergies and insects; what are allergens?; what happens when an allergen enters your body?; how do you tell whether a substance can cause allergies? what medical conditions are caused by allergies?; neurodermatitis; allergic reactions to medication; allergic reactions to insect poison; I'm even allergic to the sun; animal allergens; plants and your apartment; who can be affected by allergies?; why do more and more people suffer from allergies?; the latest theories; allergies and cancer - and something else of interest; songs against allergies?; what do condoms and bananas have in common? (cross-reactivity); allergy to food substances; why can't I eat eggs?; allergic to alcohol?; hidden allergens; genetically engineered foods - a danger for atopic persons? choosing a doctor; allergen extracts; what do all the numbers mean?; storage; what are diagnostic and therapeutic extracts?; the skin prick test; the rub test; the scratch test; the intracutaneous test; limits to skin testing; what other tests can determine allergies? - the provocation test; in vitro methods; avoiding allergens; hyposensitization - desensitization; desensitization - what must you look out for?; tips for allergy sufferers; preventive measures for the bedroom if you suffer from house dust mite allergy; how to reduce the risk of insect bites; hyposensitization - hints for allergy patients; cross-reactive allergens; the allergenicity of fruits and vegetables. Appendix: pollen calendars for realists.

Review :
"Allergy Made Simple is a unique book which summarizes the most up-to-date information regarding the causes of "allergy" and its prevention and treatment, employing a practical, readable, and thoroughly enjoyable approach. It is written primarily for patients who suffer from allergic diseases. However, anyone with an interest in allergic diseases will find material in it that is of interest and informative. "Dr. Wahl's contribution is an important addition to the available literature for patients with allergy, and I can recommend it wholeheartedly." From the Foreword by Professor Allen P. Kaplan, MD, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, and President of the World Allergy Organization