What's in the Air?: The Complete Guide to Seasonal and Year-Round Airb [Paperback]

Manage your allergy symptoms year-round with expert advice from board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Gillian Shepherd.

What's in the air?

Pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet allergens affect and irritate more than 60 million Americans. That number is increasing every day-and allergies are now the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. But most people don't know a great deal about these airborne allergens-other than how miserable they make them feel. Now, Dr. Gillian Shepherd will bring comfort to sufferers with the latest research on the causes of and available treatments for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic conjunctivitis (teary eyes).

Discover:
-how and why your immune system reacts to allergens
-the worst pollens: where they are and how far they travel
-how to help your child cope with allergies
-the truth behind the word “hypoallergenic”
-tips for “allergy-proofing” your home, office, and car
-the effect that changing weather may have on your symptoms
-when allergy shots can help and when they can't
-exciting new medical research that will eventually cure allergies.Marian Betancourthas written numerous books on health and women's issues. Her most recent books includeWhat's in the Air?,a guide to managing seasonal and year-round allergies; andPlaying Like a Girl: Transforming Our Lives Through Team Sports.She has written for the Associated Press,Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine, Sports Illustrated,and other national publications.Introduction

The Allergy Boom and the Hygiene Hypothesis

Not everyone is programmed to develop allergies. You have to inherit the tendency. If you have close family with a history of hay fever, asthma, hives, eczema, or specific food or drug allergies, there is a chance you will develop allergy symptoms.

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