Allergies: New Zealand?s growing epidemic $25.00 + P&P Author: Dr Vincent St Aubyn Crump Format: Paperback, 200 pages Published In: New Zealand Ships within 1-3 days Allergies: New Zealand?s growing epidemic is described by Penny Jorgensen, CEO of Allergy New Zealand, as ?a must-have book for every New Zealand household?. Dr Crump?s new book offers an in-depth examination of new developments in the treatment of allergies and the ways in which allergic conditions are inter-related. It also includes case studies illustrating how allergies manifest themselves, and a wealth of practical advice on how to recognise allergies and where to look for the most effective treatment options. The author maintains personal and professional connections with those at the cutting edge of allergy treatment and research. As a result he brings together a comprehensive range of material, including the results of the most up-to-date studies worldwide.

So why New Zealand?s growing epidemic?

There have been numerous reports in the media of a childhood allergy epidemic throughout the developed world ? in Europe and North America as well as Australia and New Zealand. In spite of the media attention leading to increased allergy awareness, and allowing for a certain amount of hype ? and even hysteria ? there is now overwhelming scientific evidence that allergies, including, asthma, eczema, hay fever, food allergy, and anaphylaxis have increased in New Zealand and other developed countries by epidemic proportions over the last 25 years.

But while Dr Crump?s book draws on the latest research from around the globe, he also pays particular attention to local conditions and the New Zealand way of life. Sensitisation to allergens varies from country to country and region to region, according to dietary preferences and a host of other factors. Our lifestyles, our workplace and domestic environments, our farming practices and even our climate all have a bearing on the way allergies affect us in this country.

The ?hygiene hypothesis?

The author looks critically at the various theories put forward to explain this developing situation. He points out, for instance, that the ?hygiene hypothesis? (based on reduced exposure of infant immune systems to microbes in our relatively sterile modern environments), cited as one of the main reasons for the growing prevalence of allergies, is supported by a number of valid studies. However, he also acknowledges that the exact cause is still far from certain.

Ongoing research

The book contains a lot of sound advice on controlling allergy symptoms. It also recognises that this can only be part of the solution ? that increasing allergic sensitisation is a process that needs to be reversed. He makes the point that we can only hope to achieve this when we fully understand the cause(s) of the epidemic. And this in turn will only come about through greater investment in high-quality international research into allergies.

Publisher: David Bateman Ltd
ISBN: 978-1-86953-744-9
Dimensions: 210 x 137 mm, portrait

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