Allergy Information for Teens, 4th Edition

An allergy is a common or chronic condition caused due to the response or reaction of the immune system to harmless substances, such as dust, pollen etc. The consequences of allergic diseases vary considerably. For some people, the symptoms are merely a transient annoyance – occasional sniffles, sneezes, or mild itching. Others endure persistent, more severe symptoms that can disrupt education and relationships, hamper the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices, and hinder overall well-being. Chronic symptoms can lead to additional health concerns, such as the development of asthma. In some people with severe allergies, the consequences can even be deadly.

Allergy Information for Teens, Fourth Edition provides updated information about a wide variety of allergic reactions, including common symptoms, diagnostic tools, and management strategies. It talks about the causes of allergies and the role the immune system plays in their development. It presents facts about rhinitis, sinusitis, dermatitis, urticaria (hives), anaphylaxis, and other types of symptoms produced by encounters with allergens. It also looks at the substances responsible for triggering these types of symptoms, including specific foods, animals, pollens, and chemicals. A special section on managing allergies in daily life outlines ways to avoid allergy triggers, handle asthma at school, and cope with other challenges. The book concludes with resource directories for learning more about allergies and finding recipes to aid in the management of food allergies.

This book is divided into parts and chapters. Parts focus on broad areas of interest; chapters are devoted to single topics within a part. 

Part 1: Allergy Overview explains the biological processes that lead to the development of allergies and how allergy symptoms are detected and differentiated from symptoms due to other causes. It also provides facts about some of the most common allergens and information about hygiene hypotheses.

Part 2: Allergy Symptoms and Complications provides details about various ways allergic reactions can be identified and how they impact health. It discusses signs that may indicate breathing complications, and it explains how allergies can lead to the development of chronic respiratory illnesses. Other allergic symptoms, including those that affect the eyes and skin, are also discussed, and the part concludes with a chapter on how climate changes can affect 

allergies.

Part 3: Food Allergies and Intolerances describes the differences between allergies and other adverse biological reactions to ingested substances. Individual chapters address the foods that are most commonly involved in allergic reactions, including nuts, grains, milk, chocolate, eggs, and seafood. The most common intolerances and sensitivities – those to lactose, gluten, histamine, and sulfites – are also addressed.

Part 4: Other Common Allergy Triggers discusses some of the most frequently encountered substances in indoor and outdoor environments that elicit allergic responses. These include allergies to pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites. Allergies to specific chemicals, including nickel and formaldehyde are also explained.

Part 5: Allergy Tests explains measuring the body’s response to specific allergy triggers or allergens. It includes a skin test, elimination of diet, and lung function tests. It also discusses blood tests, oral challenge tests, and food allergies tests.

Part 6: Treating and Managing Allergies provides tips for people with allergies about minimizing the exacerbation of symptoms and maintaining an optimal quality of life. It discusses allergy-related medications in schools, offers suggestions for the safe use of cosmetics and skincare products, and provides additional suggestions for people with food allergies.

Part 7: If You Need More Information includes a directory of organizations to provide further information about allergies and a list of online resources and mobile applications for allergen-free recipes.