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

This is a great and affordable guide to understanding seasonal and airborne allergies, and what can be done to reduce symptoms both through changing elements of your environment as well as medications. 40 million Americans suffer from allergies, and though there is no cure (yet) there are a lot of things you can do to reduce or even eliminate symptoms. This book includes a table of contents and index, so it's great for reference. It begins with a clear explanation of what causes allergies. I found it informative, for instance, that taking allergy medicine after symptoms have started doesn't do much, you have to take medication before you start getting that stuffy nose and itchy eyes. Also included are lists of grasses, trees and weeds that produce pollens, and the regions they're found in. There are some allergens that are so similar to others that the body mistakes them for the thing you're allergic to and reacts, so you should avoid certain fruits and vegetables if you happen to be allergic to certain pollens (who knew?) WHAT'S IN THE AIR? explains pet allergies (did you know a child can develop an allergy to cats just by going to school with someone who has a cat at home?). There's a section for parents on children and allergies, tips for allergies on the job, on airplanes (never use those plane pillows) and abroad. You can have no symptoms on your first visit to a place, and return a year later and have an allergic reaction to local allergens because allergies take time to develop. There are details of specific drugs and allergy shots, what they do and how effective they are. The part I found most helpful, however, was the information on way to allergy proof your home, including tips on what to look for when buying air filters, humidifiers and vacuum cleaners. Author Gillian Shepherd is a well-established allergy and immunology specialist, and the co-author, Marian Betancourt, has had a great deal of experience in writing nonfiction in a readable format so this book isn't daunting and technical. It also includes appendices on additional resources and places to buy allergy related products.

This book gives a wonderful description of what causes alergies and gives thoughtful solutions to the problem. Written in a way non-medical individuals can easily understand, "What's in the Air" is a book anyone with allergies should read.