APICON 2025 Workshop Manual: Foundations of Allergy Practice

With allergy-related conditions affecting millions of lives worldwide and an ever-growing number of individuals experiencing the impact of allergens on their health, it has become increasingly clear that clinical understanding must blend historical knowledge, practical techniques, and regional considerations. This book is divided into five chapters, each reflecting a fundamental aspect of allergy science and practice, essential for healthcare providers. In Chapter 1, Introduction to Allergy, the authors explore the foundations of allergy and its development as a discipline. Chapter 2, History-taking and Clinical Methods in Airway Allergy, explains the critical role of detailed history-taking and clinical methods for accurate diagnosis, particularly in airway allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding a patients unique experiences, triggers, and response patterns. Chapter 3, Skin Prick Test, examines one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in allergy practice. It provides an in-depth guide to the skin prick test (SPT), detailing the procedure, its reliability, and significance as a cornerstone in allergy diagnostics. Chapter 4, Allergen Immunotherapy, presents a transformative approach to allergy management that extends beyond symptomatic relief. This chapter explores immunotherapys mechanisms of action, its forms (subcutaneous and sublingual), and its long-term benefits in altering immune responses to allergens, helping practitioners achieve long-term relief and improved immune responses in patients. The final chapter, Aeroallergens in India, discusses aeroallergens within the Indian subcontinent, addressing the countrys unique environmental and ecological challenges, with tailored diagnostic and management strategies for clinicians.