Allergies:

Pollen Allergy in Europe

Author: Prof. Gennaro D'AMATO. 

Which are the most important allergenic pollens in Europe and where are they encountered? Which pollen allergens can cross-react to cause food allergies? How do pollution and climatic conditions effect our reactions to pollens? These aspects and much more including valuable tips for allergy sufferers are covered in this interesting and informative article by Professor Gennaro D’Amato from Italy. This article is targeted at health professionals, a version for those without a scientific/medical background can be found on the Patients & Public Section.

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Why do we need a new classification for allergic rhinitis?

12 pages. 
This document is an introduction to the new ARIA concept. Because the current classification of allergic rhinitis as seasonal or perennial does not fit with the current scientific knowledge and can not be used universally, ARIA, a non-governmental organization (NGO) working in collaboration with the World Health Organization published a new concept. The basis and the main topics of the ARIA new concept (classification, treatment strategy of rhinitis) are summarized in this document. A 12-page booklet written with the collaboration of P. Van Cauwenberge, Belgium - 2003.

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Who's been sleeping in your pillow?

A 17 pages booklet 
This booklet, which is understandable for children, is designed to explain allergy and the basic actions that parents can take to improve the quality-of-life of asthmatic and allergic children. A 17-pages booklet, written by S Durham, M Tamanga, S Thistleton-Smith and John Warner, issued in 1998.

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Who's been sleeping in your pillow ? (video)

15 minutes - 1998 
This video which is understandable for children is designed to explain allergy and the basic actions that parents can take to improve the quality-of-life of asthmatic and allergic children.

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Today's allergies: Are there new factors that play a role?
Ralph Mösges & Ludger Klimek

An urban way of life appears to promote allergy. Among others, outdoor pollution, indoor air quality problems, and psychological stress are linked to urban areas. Patients face more allergens than before. Several new indoor and outdoor allergens have been identified and the patients are exposed to more allergens for a longer time each year. Thus there is a need for more comprehensive environmental programs against today's allergies.
Find more details on this interesting subject in the article of Ralph Mösges & Ludger Klimek " Today's allergies: Are there new factors that play a role?" published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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The UCB Institute of Allergy

18 pages. 
A 18 pages booklet introducing The UCB Institute of Allergy, its stakes, issue, mission and special actions and activities. You will find key facts and figures about allergy, advices about The UCB Institute of Allergy organisation and publications. Published in 2003.

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The Ragweed Invasion
Philip TARAMARCAZ

Ragweed pollen is highly allergenic and can be transported over long distances. It causes severe symptoms including rhino-conjunctivitis and asthma. Its prevalence in Europe is steadily increasing. In certain regions, up to 80% of pollen-allergic patients exhibit positive results to skin prick or RAST assays. The severity of the problem may be exacerbated by environmental pollution and climate factors.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at http://www.acii.net.

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The Ever Evolving Allergy
Prof. Erkka Valovirta

"Modern life for an allergic patient: trick or treat?"

The modern allergic patient experiences show that the modern, mainly indoor lifestyle, as well as the numerous daily stressful situations badly influence his quality of life. World population is increasing everywhere on our planet. As important consequences, increased urbanization as well as associated air warming and air pollution could explain increased prevalence of allergic disease even more in urban area versus rural. Diesel particles can absorb allergens released by pollen grains and, as a consequence, prolong the presence of the allergen in the air, creating increased severity of the disease in urban areas. Thus urban patients are facing severe outdoor and indoor air and "social" pollution. Today's allergic rhinitis patients experience frequent, complex, severe and persistent symptoms, impairing their daily-life activities in our modern world.
Find more details regarding the patients' voice on their allergy in the article of Professor Erkka Valovirta: "The Ever Evolving Allergy - Real-Life Experiences of the Modern Allergic patient" published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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Rhinitis Quality of Life in Clinical Practice
Elizabeth F. Juniper MCSP, MSc.

23 pages. 
The perception by patients about the impact of their disease on daily life correlates poorly with clinical measures of that disease. Therefore, evidence of a patient's quality of life (QoL) cannot be inferred from clinical indices but must be measured directly. With the use of validated questionnaires, QoL becomes an objective assessment which complements the clinical indices of the disease allowing doctors a complete insight into the impairment of patient's life. 

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Proceedings of EAACI/GA²LEN Food Allergy Training Course
Dr A.J. Morris

IOA reports on the EAACI/GA²LEN training course in Food Allergy held at Hindsgavl Castle, Middelfart, Denmark.
The aim of this course was to update clinicians and other health care professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with food allergy. The focus was on the practical aspects of diagnosis and treatment.

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New Paradigms in Atopy Prevention?

IOA-Workshop February 2003
A 43-page brochure 

This IOA Workshop was held in 2003 in Brussels and chaired by Prof Ulrich Wahn.
The Workshop involved 20 eminent European experts in Pediatry, Immunology and Pneumology and addressed important topics on atopic diseases in childhood, including:

• Induction of tolerance to allergens
• Infant nutrition and allergy prevention
• Risk and protective factors in the environment  

Atopic diseases are considered to be the "Epidemic of the 21th century" and represent a major health problem. Tremendous progress has been made in the understanding of the genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms of these disorders. Preventive approaches remain the mainstay of current management.
The results of these most fruitful discussions are presented in the publication.

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Multimedia guide to allergy

Teaching tool for family practitioners and health professionals designed to explain the basic mechanisms of allergy and immunology, including case histories to solve and diagnostic help. Read : only the "Table of contents" is currently available.

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Minimal Persistent Inflammation in Allergic Rhinitis
G. Walter Canonica & Ilaria Baiardini

"Allergic Rhinitis is not a short-lived phenomenon, but rather a dynamic process characterized by an inflammatory response"

Immediate allergic symptoms such as runny nose, itchy nose and sneezing can no longer be considered as sufficient and reliable markers of an allergic reaction. Chronic "Minimal Persistent Inflammation" (MPI) exists besides classical symptoms and is detectable even in the absence of symptoms, during a quiescence phase of the allergic rhinitis. Therefore, any therapeutic strategy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis should focus on minimizing inflammatory phenomenon rather than only alleviating acute symptoms.
Find more details in the article "Minimal Persistent Inflammation in Allergic Rhinitis – Its Clinical Implications" by G. Walter Canonica & Ilaria Baiardini published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International. 

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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Meet the Champ!

A 34 page comic book 
This illustrated cartoon explains to children and their parents that allergy is not an impediment to athletic activity as long as they carefully choose appropriate sports and follow a few simple rules, which are humorously described.

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Living with Allergies and Asthma
IOA-Workshop Berlin 2005

A 48-page brochure 
Living with Allergies and Asthma. From patient education to disease management. A new era in the management of allergic patients in Europe. IOA-Workshop Berlin 2005

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Is Patient Self-Management of Allergic Rhinitis Realistic?
Prof. Claus Bachert

Find more details regarding the impact of allergic rhinitis on the patients’ quality of life and also the importance of quality of life in relation with the pharmaco-economic parameters in the article of Prof Claus Bachert: "Is Patient Self-Management of Allergic Rhinitis Realistic?", published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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Insect venom hypersensitivity
Prof. A-M Kochuyt

8-page booklet. 
Insect venoms can cause allergic reactions of variable intensity, from mild local reactions to severe, life threatening anaphylactic responses. In people allergic to insect venoms no rule can predict the severity of the reaction developed upon insect sting. Therefore it is very important to be able to identify quickly the signs indicating a severe reaction. Also you should be familiar with the measures that can help you to prevent the stings or what to do when a sting occurs. The brochure “Insect venom hypersensitivity” can help you become familiar with the clinical aspects of allergy to insect venoms and also how to manage optimally this disease.

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Help... I am allergic (video)

17 min video – 1995. 
Throughout this video, let us listen to children: "it is you I am talking to - my parents, my doctor, my teachers, my sports and holidays supervisors. Sometimes it is tough for me. I would just like all of you to try and help me."

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Health related quality of life issues in Allergic Rhinitis

28 pages. 
Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is a nebulous expression meaning different things to different people which has rendered its definition difficult. The definition of Schipper and colleagues is both and simple and focussed: "The functional effects of an illness and its consequent therapy upon a patient, as perceived by a patient"(1). Rhinitis is a allergic disorders which can be very troublesome and cause quite severe impairment of patients HRQL. This booklet provides keydata about HRQL in rhinitis: - Disease specific questionnaires and other instruments - Interpretation of HRQL data - HRQL in clinical trials and clinical pratice A 28-page booklet written by EF Juniper and VJ Lund, UK - 2001.

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From atopic dermatitis to asthma

A 167-page book. 
“The Allergic March” – if one wanted an alternative title for this excellent book, this would be ideal. It is a term often used in the field of allergy, but not one that is always understood by the wide range of health professionals who come into contact with allergy sufferers. From Atopic Dermatitis to Asthma covers a broad agenda in terms of allergic diseases starting with an introduction to the genetic basis, trigger factors and cellular mechanisms. In each main section, the author responsible introduces the topic helpfully, allowing the readers to structure their journey through the developing allergy processes. For both atopic dermatitis and asthma, the genetic, immunological, clinical and therapeutic aspects are first discussed separately, with plentiful illustrations and relevant references. The authors have included highly topical areas of research that are frequently discussed including the role of viruses in the initiation of asthma and the place of the hygiene hypothesis in the initiation of allergic sensitisation (Dr. Jill A. Warner’s introduction extract). A 167-page book edited in 2002.

Summary
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Conclusion

European Allergy White Paper Update

58 pages brochure 
The European Allergy White Paper Update aims to define the needs of the next decade in the field of allergy. It follows on from a series of proposals for future action that were made in the European Allergy White Paper published by the UCB Institute of Allergy in 1997. This present consensus paper has been produced by three working groups of experts concentrating on the themes of epidemiology, public health and research into allergy. Questions, suggestions or points raised in relation to the paper were discussed at the European Allergy Workshop held in Brussels in 1998. A 58 pages brochure published in 1999.

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European Allergy White Paper Summary

14-page booklet. 
In the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the beds we sleep in, microorganisms and organic molecules, acting by various mechanisms, can invade the body and cause a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system called allergy. While this pathology does not enjoy the same fascination as AIDS, cancer or cardiovascular diseases, it is certainly the most pervasive disorders globally. Allergic conditions now pose a major health problem. They respect no national frontiers and are spreading inexorably through the European population. In an appropriate initial response to this Pan-European invasion, The UCB Institute of Allergy has received the help of leading allergologists across the length and breath of Europe and compiled a meta-analysis of the problem according to the European perspective in The European White Paper. The following synopsis sketches the main points of the European white paper. A 14-page booklet edited in 1997.

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European Allergy White Paper

A 117-page book written in English
This book discusses allergic disorders in terms of a public health problem.
The following topics are developed: 

• the prevalence of allergic disorders in Europe, country by country over the last 40 years;
• the diagnosis and management of the allergic patient,
• the prevention of atopic disorders,
• organization of management of allergies
• training of physicians and research teams in different European countries;
• evaluation of socioeconomic costs and future perspectives.  

A precise book of data and analysis with many supporting figures.

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Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis

27 pages. 
Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced by an IgE-mediated inflammation after allergen exposure of the membranes lining the nose. This booklet provides key data about prevalence, risk factors and natural course of Allergic Rhinitis. A 27 pages booklet written by P Van Cauwenberge, Belgium; G Ciprandi, Italy and JS Vermeiren, Belgium - 2001.

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Estimation of Receptor Occupancy
Margherita Strolin Benedetti, Michel Gillard & Eugène Baltes

"Is Receptor Occupancy relevant for the efficacy of an H1 Antihistamine?"

Find more details regarding the role of receptor occupancy in the article of Margherita Strolin Benedetti, Michel Gillard & Eugène Baltes: “Estimation of Receptor Occupancy: When Is This Relevant for the Efficacy of an H1 Antihistamine?” published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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Drug Research in Pediatrics: should it be stopped or promoted?
Prof Paul C. Potter

"Up to 80% of the medicines prescribed to infants or children [...] are used off-label”. 

There is a stringent need for pediatric studies. In the 21st century diagnostic and therapeutic decisions should be guided by the evidence based medicine. Consequently efficacy, safety and quality of every drug should be proven for any condition and every age group. However "Up to 80% of the medicines prescribed to infants or children are not licensed for this age group and are thus used off-label”. Find more details regarding drug research in pediatrics in the article of Prof Paul C. Potter: " Drug Research in Pediatrics: should it be stopped or promoted?", published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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"Antihistamines, more than symptomatic anti-allergic drugs"
Prof. Gianni Marone

Find more details regarding the role of antihistamines in treating allergic inflammation in the article of Prof Gianni Marone: "Does the Most Potent Antihistamine Also Have the Strongest Anti-inflammatory Effect?", published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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Does rhinitis lead to asthma? Role of the Primary Care Physicians

Allergy is the most prevalent chronic disease in Europe and it is on the rise. Rhinitis and asthma, two forms of allergic disease, may be inextricably linked with up to a third of rhinitis suffers going on to develop asthma within 10 years. Current research activities, patient education initiatives, diagnosis, and treatment are explored in this informative brochure which is geared towards primary care physicians.

With GA²LEN Courtesy : www.ga2len.net

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Does rhinitis lead to asthma? Patient leaflet

Allergy is the most prevalent chronic disease in Europe and it is on the rise. This informative brochure for patients is designed to explain different types and causes of allergy. In simple terms, it explains what allergy and allergic diseases are and the link between rhinitis and asthma. There is a self-evaluation questionnaire and allergy tests treatments and what the patient can do to help themselves are presented.

With GA²LEN Courtesy : www.ga2len.net

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Does allergy impair cognition and learning in children?
Hugo VAN BEVER

Allergic rhinitis in children may lead to increased daytime fatigue as a result of impairment of sleep quality due to chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa and consequent nasal congestion. Such fatigue could lead to under achievement in the scholastic environment.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at http://www.acii.net.

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Comorbidity of allergic rhinitis

35 pages. 
Allergic rhinitis is clinically defined as a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced by an IgE-mediated inflammation after allergen exposure to the membranes lining the nose. This booklet provides key data about Rhinitis and other allergic disorders (asthma, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, atopic dermatitis …) comorbidity. Epidemiology and clinics, mechanisms and treatment issues are summarized in this document. A 35-page booklet written by Cl Bachet, Ghent; G Ciprandi, Genova; W Fokkens, Rotterdam; M Triggiani, Naples; V Lund, London; EF Juniper, Bosham - 2001

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Challenging dogmas in allergy

A 61-page brochure
IOA Workshop held in 2006 in Berlin and chaired by Professor Ulrich Wahn. 
The meeting involved 12 eminent European experts in allergy and addressed important topics including : 

• "Atopic March" 
• Genetic Basis of allergy and asthma 
• Role of environment and lifestyle 
• Allergic inflammation and how to treat allergy today 
• Potential new targets for therapeutic intervention in allergy     

Daily practice in clinical allergy has not changed dramatically for many decades. However, in the same period, knowledge on allergic diseases grew a lot thanks to the progress in genetics, molecular biology, immunology and lung physiology. Many of the dogmas that have driven our reasoning for the last 40 years are becoming weaker and weaker and should be reassessed. 

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Atopic dermatitis in young children

14 minutes video. 
This video which is understandable for parents is designed to explain atopic dermatitis in young chidren and the basic actions that parents can take to improve the treatment of their child.

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Atopic dermatitis in children. How to take care of them.

30 pages brochure. 
A brochure to learn to recognize atopic dermatitis depending on the child's age, how to treat it and also cure it in the most cases. This clear and colorful brochure is designed to restore the confidence of parents who read it.

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Are you aware of allergies? (video)

2001 video. 
The topic of this video is the prevention of allergies in newborn babies who might be at risk. This video is divided in into 5 short films focusing on the different aspects of prevention (milk, a varied diet, doing up the nursery, cigarette smoke, animal, irritants) and medical symptoms. The prevention advice given in this video was validated by studies carried out in various European countries and is intended for future parents of children who could be at risk of developing allergies. The aim is to raise the awareness of parents as to the importance of prevention encouraging them to act before the symptoms even appear. An explanation brochure (available on this website) covering the prevention measures contained within the 5 shorts films is provided with the video. This video was made possible thanks to the co-operation of the Fondation pour la Prévention des Allergies, Allergiepreventie, the O.N.E (office de la Naissance et de l'Enfance), Kind& Gezin and the UCB Institute of Allergy. 

Intro
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Are you aware of allergies?
Leaflet of 16 pages. 2001. 
This explanatory brochure can be used as a support for the video "Are you aware of allergies?". The topic of this brochure is the prevention of allergies for newborn babies who might be at risk. The aim is to raise the awareness of parents as to the importance of prevention, encouraging them to act before the symptoms even appear.Read

Allergy: a match to win (video)

14 min video - 1998. 
This video discusses the problems of doing sports for allergic and asthmatic children as well as its benefits. It provides practical advice for athletic counselors and parents, and it helps directing a child to appropriate support. 

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Allergy: a match to win

A 22 page brochure.
Regular exercise is important in the lives of all young people. Sports help allergic children to keep fit, control their breathing, increase their self-confidence and cope with their allergies. However, in certain circumstances, sports may induce allergic symptoms. Therefore, it is important to create the right conditions for practising sports.

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Allergy to latex and rubber products

An 8 page booklet. 
This booklet provides a simple description of latex allergy, it's diagnosis, treatment and possible alternatives. It provides clear answers to basic questions.

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Allergy and Pruritus
Dr Bruno Déchamps

"What are the Allergic Etiologies of Pruritus? Legitimacy of the Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy" 

When considering the correct etiological approach in the context of chronic pruritus, a distinction must be made between pruritus with and without skin lesions. While diagnostic procedures for allergy may be beneficial in the context of acute urticaria or contact eczema, their place is questionable with regard to other pruritic dermatoses. Find more details in the article of Dr Bruno Déchamps: “Allergy and Pruritus: What are the Allergic Etiologies of Pruritus? Legitimacy of the Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy” published in Allergy and Clinical Immunology International.

IOA acknowledges ACII for the permission to publish this article. For more information on ACII please visit the journal's own website at www.acii.net.

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Allergy Identity Card: a trifle that can save your patients' life

Making the right diagnosis, providing the perfect treatment plan and giving the best advice ... is it anything you could do more? Your patients should be safe now... Except if they experience an allergic attack so severe that they would be incapable of self medicating, in a place where no one knows them!!! 
The answer to this situation is  "I Am Allergic!",  the Allergy Identity Card prepared by the UCB Institute of Allergy. It is no bigger than a credit card but it contains all critical information that a health care person should know in case of emergency.  
Give your patients the Allergy Identity Card and teach them to carry it always! Not only to those with severe allergy (such as asthma, food allergy or anaphylaxis), but also to those with just a small and remote risk for severe attacks. 
IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE!

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Allergies: the more you know, the less you suffer

A small 64 page booklet.
This small booklet provides definitions, explanations of different types of allergies, diagnosis, treatments and allergy prevention. Answers with practical advice to improve your everyday quality of life.

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Allergies and Cosmetics (book)
Annik Pons-Guiraud, Martine Vigan

A 183-page book. 
Cosmetics represent today an intrinsic part of our daily life. Sometimes their use can have exactly the opposite effect than wanted, creating important damage of the skin. Cosmetics can cause both irritative and allergic reactions; also skin diseases with a different primary cause can be aggravated by cosmetic products. Diagnosis of a cosmetic involvement in a specific pathology implies a good knowledge of the constituents contained in the cosmetic products, of the lesions and pathologies most likely to be caused by them and also of the various testing techniques. Treatment of the cosmetic allergies can be often difficult. These aspects are discussed in the book "Allergies and Cosmetics" written by Annik Pons-Guiraud and Martine Vigan.

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Allergies and Cosmetics

A 12-page booklet issued in 2005, written by A. Pons-Guiraud, M.D. 
This leaflet traces allergy to a cosmetic product from its origin, through differential diagnosis between irritant dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. It presents all essential information on allergy to cosmetic products as well as advice to be given to patients (information and avoidance procedures).

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Allergic: to be or not to be? That is the question

In this 3-page leaflet you will find a short description of allergic disorders and their symptoms. Try to answer the questionnaire enclosed in. If certain symptoms are familiar to you or if you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it's possible that you have an allergy. Have a word with a doctor about them and he will work with you and make a diagnosis based on the cause of your symptoms.
Published in 2003.

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Allergic : to be or not to be ? Rhinitis (video)

Dedicated to the public in general, this video shows different situations of daily living where people suffer symptoms of rhinitis. The comments suggest this symptomatology could be linked to an allergic rhinitis, and that the disease can be easily treated, resulting in an obvious increase of the daily quality of life.

With the collaboration of C Bacher, Ghent; P Van Cauwenberge, Ghent and E Valovirta, EFA - 8 min - 2003.

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Allergic: to be or not to be? Rhinitis

12 pages. 
Dedicated to the patient, this leaflet explains the usual confusion between a simple cold and an allergic rhinitis, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the later condition. It describes how easy a differential diagnosis can be made by the doctor: nothing time-consuming, nor expensive, nor painful. Finally, arguments for a drug treatment are exposed. A 12-page leaflet written in collaboration with C Bachert, Belgium; P Van Cauwenberge, Belgium, and E Valovirta, EFA - 2003. 

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Allergic: to be or not to be?

3-page leaflet. 
Dedicated to Health Professionals, an information on the UCB Institute of Allergy mission and actions. Allergy is a growing disease becoming a leading public health-economic problem of epidemic proportions.

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