CRC TXTBK ALLERGY CLINIC PDF

Preface

This endeavour to put together an international textbook of allergy/immunology began over two years ago. The concept of who this book would serve and its contents thereof gradually crystallized over the ensuing years and the final result is the ‘Textbook of Allergy for the Clinician'. The chapters cover the core topics in the Allergy-Immunology discipline and are written by truly an international set of authors from America, Asia and Europe.

This is the first textbook in the field of allergy, asthma and immunology covering such varied material with chapters written by a highly qualified team of authors with diverse expertise. This is also a very timely textbook, since for the first time, there is growing realization of combining evidence based data from ‘East and West' in our professional understanding, rather than in two separate compartments. The influence of eastern thought is complimented by the ‘scientific' approach of the West in understanding and formulating our approach to medicine.

There are 26 authors of eastern origin and 25 authors of western origin who have come together to create this book. The book contains 33 different chapters which, in addition to the basic allergy and immunology subjects, contain chapters on: Personalized medicine and asthma, the effects of air pollution on allergies, Aerobiology with color pictures, environmental issues, Allergy practice: east vs. west, Yoga in asthma, Ayurveda and herbal medicines. Since this book deals with not only basics, but also the most recent thoughts on clinical approach and management, it should appeal to a wide audience, from medical students to residents, fellows in training as well as specialists.

All the authors have been extremely graceful in their submission of their respective chapters. Dr. Henry Claman, our mentor and guide, has summarized the concept of this textbook very well in his foreword and we are extremely appreciative of his words of wisdom and vision.

Our families have been more than cooperative; they have sacrificed on several occasions to allow us to complete this textbook. Our sincere thanks of appreciation to International Asthma services (IAS), Denver, Colorado USA and Dr Lokeshwararao Edara, Battle creek, Michigan USA for financial support.