Clinical Presentation of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Howard M. Lederman The primary immunodeficiency diseases were originally viewed as rare disorders, presenting early in life, with severe clinical symptoms. It has become…
The Immune System Howard M. Lederman The immune system is composed of a variety of cells (B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils) and their secretory products (antibodies, complement, and…
Insect Sting Allergy Kenneth C. Schuberth For most children and adults, insect stings are common, painful, but not particularly hazardous. However, in approximately 1% of the general population, stings trigger…
Allergic Rhinitis and Associated Disorders F. Estelle R. Simons Allergic rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is the most common chronic disease of the respiratory tract and the most…
Atopic Dermatitis Hugh A. Sampson The French physician, Besnier, presented the first comprehensive description of atopic dermatitis over a century ago. He emphasized its hereditary nature, chronically recurring course, and…
Food Allergies Hugh A. Sampson Adverse food reactions may be divided into toxic and nontoxic reactions. Toxic reactions may occur in anyone, provided a sufficient dose is ingested (e.g., histamine…
Urticaria and Angioedema Thomas B. Casale Jeffrey R. Stokes Urticaria (hives) is characterized by erythematous, edematous wheals of the superficial layers of the skin or mucous membranes. The lesions blanch…
General Considerations of Allergies in Childhood Hugh A. Sampson Peyton A. Eggleston The prevalence of allergic disorders such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis has doubled in the past…
Unclassified Nervous System Disorders: Alpers Disease Marvin A. Fishman The term Alpers disease (progressive poliodystrophy) traditionally has been used to refer to a progressive degenerative disease that begins in early…
