APICON 2025 workshop manual - Foundations of allergy practice: a practical guide for clinicians/ Shambo Samrat Samajdar, Saibal Moitra eds.

Includes bibliography and index

Introduction to allergy -- History-taking and clinical methods in airway allergy -- Skin prick test -- Allergen immunotherapy -- Aeroallergens in India

This book is structured into five chapters, each reflecting a fundamental aspect of allergy science and practice that we believe is essential for healthcare providers. In Chapter 1, “Introduction to Allergy,” we explore the foundations of allergy and its development as a discipline. Here, we recount pivotal historical milestones that have shaped our current understanding of allergic diseases. By examining concepts such as atopy, sensitization, and allergy, we aim to provide a clear framework for comprehending how these conditions arise and progress. This chapter is intended to lay a strong conceptual foundation, fostering an appreciation for the intricate mechanisms underlying allergic responses. Our focus in Chapter 2, “History-taking and Clinical Methods in Airway Allergy,” is on the crucial art of clinical evaluation. We emphasize the importance of history-taking in airway allergy diagnoses, recognizing that understanding a patient’s unique experience, triggers, and response patterns can often lead to insights that testing alone cannot provide. This chapter underscores the need for careful, patient-centered inquiry in clinical practice, particularly for chronic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. In Chapter 3, “Skin Prick Test,” we delve into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in allergy practice. The SPT is not only a means of identifying specific allergens but also a way to engage patients in their own treatment plans by visually demonstrating their sensitivities. We provide an in-depth examination of the SPT procedure, its reliability, safety, and practical application, making it a cornerstone of allergy diagnostics that practitioners can rely on for effective patient management. Chapter 4, “Allergen Immunotherapy,” presents a transformative approach to allergy management that extends beyond symptomatic relief. This chapter explores immunotherapy’s mechanisms of action, its forms (subcutaneous and sublingual), and its long-term benefits in altering immune responses to allergens. We discuss the selection criteria and administration methods for immunotherapy, aiming to equip practitioners with the knowledge needed to safely and effectively incorporate this powerful therapy into their practice. In Chapter 5, “Aeroallergens in India,” we highlight the unique landscape of aeroallergens within the Indian subcontinent. India’s diverse climate, ecology, and rapid urbanization have created distinct challenges in managing aeroallergen-related conditions. In this chapter, we explore common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander, while examining diagnostic methods and prevention strategies specific to India’s environmental conditions. It is our hope that this chapter serves as a practical guide for clinicians, particularly those navigating the complexities of treating allergies within varied geographical and ecological contexts.