James Chambers - Allergy Information for Teens

Teen Health Series

ALLERGY INFORMATION FOR
TEENS FOURTH EDITION

Teen Health Series

ALLERGY INFORMATION FOR
TEENS FOURTH EDITION

Health Information about Allergic Reactions to Food, Pollen, Molds, and Other Substances

Including Facts about Diagnosing, Treating, and Managing Allergic Responses and Complications

An imprint of Infobase

Bibliographic Note

Because this page cannot legibly accommodate all the copyright notices, the Bibliographic Note portion of the Preface constitutes an extension of the copyright notice.

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OMNIGRAPHICS

An imprint of Infobase

132 W. 31st St.

New York, NY 10001

www.infobase.com

James Chambers, Editorial Director

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Copyright 2022 Infobase

ISBN 978-0-7808-2000-5

E-ISBN 978-0-7808-2001-2

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Chambers, James (Editor), editor.

Title: Allergy information for teens: health tips about allergic reactions to food, pollen, mold, and other substances including facts about diagnosing, treating, and managing allergic responses and complications / edited by James Chambers.

Description: Fourth edition. | New York, NY: Omnigraphics, an imprint of Infobase, [2022] | Series: Teen health series | Includes bibliographical references and index. | Audience: Ages 13 | Audience: Grades 7-9 | Summary: Provides basic consumer health information on allergies among teenagers, symptoms, and complications, including details on the common allergy triggers, tests, and treatment and management strategies. Includes index and resource information-- Provided by publisher.

Identifiers: LCCN 2022018757 (print) | LCCN 2022018758 (ebook) | ISBN 9780780820005 (library binding) | ISBN 9780780820012 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Allergy. | Allergy in children. | Food allergy. | Insect allergy.

Classification: LCC RC584.A45 2022 (print) | LCC RC584 (ebook) | DDC 616.9700835--dc23/eng/20220505

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022018757

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022018758

Electronic or mechanical reproduction, including photography, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system for the purpose of resale is strictly prohibited without permission in writing from the publisher.

The information in this publication was compiled from the sources cited and from other sources considered reliable. While every possible effort has been made to ensure reliability, the publisher will not assume liability for damages caused by inaccuracies in the data, and makes no warranty, express or implied, on the accuracy of the information contained herein.

This book is printed on acid-free paper meeting the ANSI Z39.48 Standard. The infinity symbol that appears above indicates that the paper in this book meets that standard.

Printed in the United States

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

About This Book

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 annoyanceoccasional sniffles, sneezes, or mild itching. Others endure persistent, more severe symptoms that can disrupt their daily activities, and 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 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, pollen, and chemicals. It provides information on managing allergies in daily life and ways to avoid allergy triggers, handle asthma at school, and cope with other challenges. The book concludes with resource directories for allergy management.

How to Use This Book

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

provides basic facts about allergies and common allergens. It explains the biological processes that lead to the development of allergies and provides information about the hygiene hypothesis.

provides details about various kinds of allergic reactions and how they impact health. It discusses signs that may indicate breathing complications and 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.

provides information about the foods that are most commonly involved in allergic reactions, including nuts, grains, milk, chocolate, eggs, and seafood. The most common intolerances and sensitivitiesthose to lactose, gluten, histamine, and sulfitesare also addressed.

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

explains how the bodys response to specific allergy triggers or allergens is measured. It includes a skin test, blood test, food allergy testing, and elimination of diet.

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 skin care products, and provides additional suggestions for people with food allergies.

includes a directory of organizations to provide further information about allergies.

Bibliographic Note

This volume contains documents and excerpts from publications issued by the following U.S. government agencies: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD); MedlinePlus; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH); National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB); National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); NIH News in Health ; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It also contains original material produced by Infobase and reviewed by medical consultants.

The photograph on the front cover is Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock.

Medical Review