Johannes Ring

Allergy is one of the major health problems of most modern societies. Although allergic diseases are well-known for almost two hundred years, their prevalence has increased dramatically over the last decades. Allergic reactions manifest in various organs, most commonly in the skin and mucous membranes, the frontier surfaces where the contact between the individual and the environment takes place. In a very concise and practical way this book covers all aspects of allergic reactions from pathophysiology to diagnosis, therapy and prevention with a strong focus on relevant aspects for the everyday work of the practising dermatologist and allergist in the hospital or office. This book reflects the rich personal experience of a German allergist with international training and reputation, who is active in immunology and allergy research and practice for almost 30 years. In this book, not only IgE-mediated allergic reactions are covered but all other kinds of allergies such as atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, drug eruptions, anaphylaxis and food allergies are equally represented as well as psychosomatic aspects and problems of environmental intolerances.

Allergy in Practice

Bernhard Przybilla

Thomas Ruzicka

State-of-the-art review on atopic eczema, one of the most common skin diseases today. This multi-authored handbook covers all aspects relevant for physicians from various disciplines.

Handbook of Atopic Eczema

Heidrun Behrendt

New Trends in Allergy V' is the fifth volume of a series focussing on new trends in experimental and clinical allergology. The interdisciplinary character is documented by articles from such different fields as basic immunology, chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, epidemiology, pneumology, dermatology, otolaryngology, pediatrics and psychosomatic medicine. Special emphasis is given to the role of both anthropogenic (pollutants) as well as natural environmental factors in the development of allergy. Among new pathophysiological concepts, dendritic cells, lymphocyte interactions, mast cells, eosinophils and neutrophils as well as psycho-neuro-immunological influences are featured. Practical aspects focus on asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic eczema, occupational and food allergy as well as anaphylaxis. The most recent therapeutic strategies comprise novel pharmacotherapy and allergen-specific as well as unspecific (e. g. anti-IgE) immunotherapy.

New Trends in Allergy V

Kilian Eyerich

This entirely revised edition of the successful work presents the state of the art in clinics, research and practical management of atopic dermatitis - eczema. The wide variability in clinical morphology including differences between age groups and ethnicities is illustrated by color pictures including the typical minimal manifestations or “stigmata” suggestive of atopy. The dramatic rise in the prevalence of this disease over the last few decades is reflected by detailed analyses of epidemiological data from all over the world. In-depth descriptions of key pathophysiological mechanisms including epidermal barrier, molecular genetics, itch pathophysiology and modern cellular immunology offer readers a deeper understanding of the complex events leading to the often excruciating symptoms. Treatment – and management – comprises all aspects from elicitor avoidance to basic emollient skin care, immuno-modulating treatments both topical and systemic, up to the latest advances in kinase inhibitors and biologics. In turn, the book discusses the role of the microbiome and antimicrobial treatments as well as phototherapy, provides dietary recommendations for individuals with food allergies, and explores psychosocial aspects of the disease. Environmental influences are considered with regard to irritants and allergens. All recommendations are based on current national and international guidelines. The complex management strategies for this disease have led to the emergence of educational programs (Eczema Schools), which the authors have developed and promoted at the national and international level. This new revised edition of Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema will be an invaluable asset for dermatologists, allergists, pediatricians and general practitioners, but also for all related health personnel and patient organizations interested in gaining a fuller understanding of this widespread skin disease.

Clinics, Pathophysiology and Therapy

Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema

Günter Burg

Anergic reactions and anergic diseases are found in many fields of medicine. As wen as affecting the skin, allergic diseases occur in internal organs such as the lungs and the kidneys and in the vascular and nervous systems. Interdisciplinary understanding and cooperation thus seem necessary to get a better insight into allergic reactions in the different fields of medicine in order that we may give our patients the best diagnostic and therapeutic care. Allergic diseases are on the increase. Studies from Sweden show that 15% of the population there are atopic, and some people speculate that in Germany about 10%-15% of all adults suffer from one of the many different allergic conditions. We in our clinic also have the impression that the incidence of atopic reactions has increased in recent years. The figure of 15% would mean something like 200 000 people in Munich alone! We all know that a wide variety of environmental factors can induce allergic reactions in the skin, the respiratory system, or internal organs. The most important anergens in our environment are pollen, molds, animal dander, housedust mite, food or food additives, various insects, industrial compounds and drugs. The direct costs of hospital and community medical care, other services, and drugs to help patients with asthma, hay fever, and skin allergies have in creased considerably in the last 10 years. The figures should make it clear to everybody that we are dealing with a health and environmental problem of great practical importance.

New Trends in Allergy II

Dieter Vieluf

There is no doubt among experts that the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased in many industrialized countries in recent years. The rea sons for this increase are unknown; only suppositions exist. Many people focus on environmental influences. However, the assumption that air pollution alone is responsible for this increase seems to be too simple: many other influences, including the genetic predisposition of individual patients, allergen exposure, and possibly socioeconomic factors, also have to be taken into consideration. Although our understanding of the complex mechanisms of allergic diseases has considerably improved thanks to the progress made in ex perimental immunology and allergology, we still have a long way to go before this scientific knowledge is translated into new therapeutic mo dalities. For this reason, the scientific community welcomed the gathering of scientists from very different disciplines and different parts of the world at an international symposium, "New Trends in Allergy IV" together with "Environmental Allergy and Allergotoxicology III" in Hamburg in 1995. This volume contains the invited papers, covering a wide range from basic science to practical clinical diagnosis and therapy. A further unique feature of this event was the concomitant first official workshop of the Environmental Pollution and Allergy Committee of the International Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (IAACI), at which the state of scientific knowledge in this field was defined and formulated.

Johannes Ring

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