Allergy and Hypersensitivity This website was developed for a reader who wants to learn more about immune mediated disease. We use the term "allergy" according to the origin definition that included all immune mediated disease.

There are different types of allergy. The immediate or type 1  hypersensitivity is easily recognized because it involves quick and dramatic symptoms. Common problems obviously related to immediate patterns of allergy include hay fever, asthma, rhinitis, otitis media, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and anaphylaxis.

Hay fever is the most common expression of type 1 allergy and is a prototype of immediate hypersensitivity. Hay fever is a reaction to airborne plant pollens in the nose. Allergy tests are positive, antihistamines help and allergy shots can reduce the reactivity over time. More about ear, nose and throat symptoms.

Delayed patterns of  allergy are not so obvious and generally go unrecognized. Allergy skin tests do not show this problem nor do IgE antibody tests.

How to Use the Allergy Center

Begin with the Introduction to Allergy that provides essential knowledge.

There are at least two kinds of allergies the immediate and the delayed patterns.  To understand the distinction better, click on the section that compares and contrasts Patterns of Allergic Response. 

If you are interested in Airborne Allergy, go to that section to learn more about hay fever and asthma. 

If you are interested in Food Allergy, then click on the section devoted to that complicated and fascinating subject. 

Allergic reactions to drugs resemble food allergy more than inhalant allergy. 
If you're interested, click on that Drug Allergy for more information. 

The list of allergic disorders is very long to search for her conditions disorders and diseases that have an immune basis go to Allergic Disorders and Diseases.

Immunology is a complicated subject that grows more dense and interesting every day.  Most MDs will have a rudimentary knowledge of immunology and even the experts tend to specialize in one specific area because the field is so vast.  It is possible for a smart reader to learn some basic concepts that make the subject somewhat comprehensible.  Our emphasis is in providing information that's useful for self-management and for making decisions about your treatment options.

Go to Immunology Notes.

The section on Diagnosis and Tests will steer the reader away from tests that look quick and easy but are invalid. Physicians often default in the diagnosis and treatment of food-related illnesses and non-medical practitioners have launched careers in the food and chemical "sensitivity" business, using diverse and sometimes bizarre method of diagnosis and treatment. 

Case Histories were chosen to illustrate the multisystem presentation of chronic, delayed patterns of food allergy.

Several Books in the Alpha Nutrition Health Education Series provide more detailed examination of specify problems such as skin and gastrointestinal disorders and celiac disease.
See Books that describe Allergic diseases.