Introduction 1

Part1: Getting Started with Allergy Basics 5

Chapter 1: Knowing What’s Ailing You 7

Chapter 2: Understanding Your Immune System 23

Chapter 3: Dealing With Physician Visits 41


Part2: Knowing Your Nose 57

Chapter 4: Nosing Around Allergic Rhinitis 59

Chapter 5: Avoiding Environmental Allergens 75

Chapter 6: Treating Your Rhinitis 93

Chapter 7: Assessing Common Nasal Allergy Complications 115


Part3: Approaching Asthma 133

Chapter 8: Reviewing Asthma Fundamentals 135

Chapter 9: Recognizing Asthma Triggers 157

Chapter 10: Living Well with Asthma 175


Part4: Understanding Allergic Skin Conditions 191

Chapter 11: Controlling Atopic Dermatitis 193

Chapter 12: Evaluating Contact Dermatitis 209

Chapter 13: Evaluating Hives and Angioedema 231


Part5: Reviewing Food, Drug, and Insect Allergies 249

Chapter 14: Diagnosing and Managing Food Allergies 251

Chapter 15: Understanding and Treating Food Allergies. 267

Chapter 16: Diagnosing and Treating Drug Reactions 277

Chapter 17: Preventing Insect Sting Reactions 291


Part6: The Part of Tens 305

Chapter 18: Top Ten List of Allergy Triggers 307

Chapter 19: Top Ten Body Organs Affected by Allergies 315

Index 325