Allergies: The Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Daily Management
Books / Hardcover
Books › Health & Fitness › General
ISBN: 0890433623 / Publisher: Consumer Reports Books, March 1992
Describes types of allergies and their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, and covers food and drug allergies, asthma, hay fever, sinus conditions, occupational allergies, and allergies in children
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Authoritative, comprehensive, practical, and up-to-date, this clearly written guide will help allergy sufferers find effective relief.Fifty million Americans suffer from allergies, an immune system reaction triggered by exposure to certain foods, chemicals, pollen, dander, and even common household dust. Although the common symptoms--red eyes, runny nose, hives--are not life-threatening for most people, they can make life miserable--so miserable that sufferers spend nearly $500 million per year on over-the-counter drugs that promise relief.Still other Americans suffer from asthma, which can be both uncomfortable and seriously debilitating, or from such severe allergic reactions that the sting of a bee or a shot of penicillin can cause anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal condition.Written by two specialists in allergy medicine, Allergies will help both the seasonal sneezer and the chronic sufferer find the safest, most comfortable way to live with their allergy.The authors explain types of diagnostic tests and treatments, discuss the use of shots, prescription drugs, nasal antihistamines and corticosteroid sprays, and other treatments, and debunk the many myths that abound in a field fraught with quackery. What is more, they evaluate the most common over-the-counter drugs for safety and effectiveness. Useful, practical information is provided on how to minimize allergens like dust, mites, mold, and pollen in the home environment; how to exercise safely; and how to guard against "trigger" foods. Chapters cover occupational allergies (including the "sick building syndrome"), allergies and pregnancy, allergies and surgery, and the psychological aspects of allergies. A special section deals with allergies in children. Throughout, important preventive and cautionary advice is given for those at risk for serious asthma attacks and anaphylactic shock.Many allergy sufferers undergo and pay for extensive, expensive diagnostic and treatment methods that have little or no value. Allergies provides the information necessary to find effective self-treatment or proper medical help.
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