See Reaction, Idiosyncratic.

When the level of gamma globulins in the blood increases, a person is said to have hypergammaglobulinemia. The condition may reflect a response to a chronic infection, or it may be part of a chronic inflammatory reaction associated with a number of diseases. Higher levels of gamma globulin may also be a com­pensatory mechanism in cases where there is less synthesis of albumin or an overproduction of an abnormal immunoglobulin called a para­protein or myeloma protein.

(egg-free, milk-free)

Combine dry ingredients. Gradually stir in vinegar and water. Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Beat oil slowly into mixture. Add parsley when serving. This dressing is delicious over greens. It is also excellent as a spread over hamburgers when ingredients such as mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and onions are not allowed in the diet. What are some easy-to-follow nonallergenic dessert recipes suitable for the whole family? Food allergy does not necessarily mean no more sweets . Rest assured—a good many allergen-free tasty desserts can be easily prepared that will please the entire family.
The following recipes will give you an idea of the many possibilities available.*

Hay fever is a common name for nasal allergy. Its symp­toms—attacks of sneezing, runny, stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes—occur within a few minutes to a few hours after exposure to inhaled allergens—usually pollen, spores from molds, house dust, or animal danders. The term hay fever is misleading, since these reac­tions are not usually produced by hay and are not accompanied by fever. See also Rhinitis.

The number of allergy-free recipes that can be enjoyed by all embers of the family is enormous. The following recipes, courtesy f the Allergy Information Association, Weston, Ontario, Canada, suggest the variety of allergy-free recipes readily available for soups, entrees, vegetables, sauces, and salad dressings.
Combine tomatoes, onion, and bay leaf. Simmer for 10 minutes and Press through a sieve. Slowly stir in milk and add bouillon cube dissolved in a small amount of the hot mixture. Add seasonings. Stir while heating. Do not boil. Add crumbs and butter. Serves 6. Melt margarine. Stir in flour or cereal. Add milk and stir until sauce thickens. Fold in peas and add salt. Bring to a boil and serve. Serves 1.

Mold is a general term for a group of parasitic, micro­scopic plants without stems, roots, or leaves and composed of a vegetative threadlike element (hyphae) and a reproductive element (spores). See also Fungi.

A change of climate is one of the oldest treatments known, having been a recommended treatment since ancient times. In theory, a dry climate with low air pollution and vegetation that produces a small amount of pollen should benefit someone with aller­gic symptoms who is sensitive to pollen and molds. Some medical evidence suggests that some patients who change climate will show improvement; but changing climate is not necessarily followed by beneficial results. In fact, such a change occasionally induces the development of new allergies. The multiplicity of meteorological and environmental factors in climates, and the marked variability of patients’ responses to these factors, make it virtually impossible to prescribe a favorable climate for a particular patient. When a change of climate is prescribed (as it sometimes is in severe cases), a trial period of several months in the new climate is usually recommended before the transfer becomes permanent. That way, more can be learned about the effect of the new climate on a person, enabling a physician to suggest another climate if the original one is not suitable.

See Arachidonic Acid.

The anticholinergic drugs that have been used ex­perimentally are atropine sulfate and ipratropium bromide (SCH-1000). Both are taken by inhalation. Side Effects and Precautions

It is true that such emotions as anxiety, fear, anger, and strong excitement can precipitate allergic attacks or make an existing con­dition suddenly worse. This is not to say, however, that these emotions are the physical basis of the allergy —which is real and of primary importance to people with allergies. Few patients need psychological help, but a child with severe asthma may cause serious disturbance in family life. In such cases, counselling for other members of the pa­tient’s family is of great benefit as an auxiliary to medical treatment. In general, the allergic patient is better off in an atmosphere of calm and confidence. Parents of asthmatic children should, as much as possible, maintain an attitude of calm and reassurance. The allergic child should be encouraged to be self-reliant and to take part in all activities to the extent possible.