Author(s): Jo Revill

Health

In this timely book, Jo Revill explores the nature of allergies, why they are on the rise, and what we can do about it. The first chapters explain what an allergy is, helping you to understand your body's response to allergens. Jo also discusses the most credible theories about why allergies are on the increase - is high pollution, an obsession with hygiene and exposure to chemicals the reason behind our allergies, which is an affliction that rises with a nation's prosperity (before the Berlin Wall came down, Eastern Germany had very low allergy rates, post-unification, they rose to Western levels). The book will take in the latest scientific information about hypersensitivity, and will also look at the 'dirt theory' - the idea that a lack of exposure to dirt and germs at a young age leaves you more at risk of allergies later on in life. The second part of the book discusses the various allergies, from the common to the very rare (hayfever, asthma, eczema, food intolerances as well as perfume, soap and latex). Symptoms can range from itchy eyes to skin irritation, and in serious cases, disability and death and the last section deals with diagnosis and treatment.