Allergies and us

The immune system protects us from everything – until it turns against us

Up to forty percent of the world' s population suffers from some form of allergy. And this number is growing every year, and new types of allergens are also appearing. Allergies are thus becoming a civilization disease that will afflict an increasing number of people and place an increasing burden on healthcare systems.

The book Allergies and Us looks for the causes of this increase in allergies – and at the same time explains what exactly an allergic reaction is, why the human body sometimes reacts so violently, and what changes in society, the environment, and climate this irritation may be related to. The search leads to doctors' offices, biological laboratories, and ordinary households, showing what changes and stimuli the immune system responds to. The author explains whether it makes sense to spend money on probiotics in connection with allergies, whether it makes sense to wash yourself often, and what cleaning products do to us. Can anything be done about allergies? And what is the future outlook for sneezing, tearful, and scratching humanity?

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An important and brilliantly researched book by medical anthropologist Theresa MacPhail puts a human face to the disease. According to her, allergies are not only the evil twin of immunity, but also the unexpected flip side of material progress, which undermines our health in ways we cannot cope with. The author does not offer easy solutions to the allergy crisis, but her sensitive insights into the issue make the book an engaging read.
— The Wall Street Journal