Allergy
                                =======
        Allergy Classification  <All-Clas.TXT>
        Anaphylaxis             <A-Anaphl.TXT>
        Angioedema              <A-Angio.TXT>
        Antibiotic Allergy      <DA-Aller.TXT>
        Beestings               <A-Sting.TXT>
        Contact Dermatitis      <Contact.TXT>
        H2 Blockers for Allergy <A-H2.TXT>
        Urticaria               <D-Urtica.TXT>

þ Allergy History
 - if one or more parent has allergy to antibiotics, then 37% of kids will
   have allergy to an antibiotic by age 16; if neither parent has allergy,
   less than 2% by age 16
 - Sensitivity declines over time "outgrow allergies"
  + 1 year after allergic reaction, 90% still have IgE
  + 10 years later, only 10-20% have IgE

References:
Boxer MB, Greenberger PA, Patterson R: The impact of prednisone in life-
threatening idiopathic anaphylaxis: reduction in acute episodes and medical
costs. Ann Allergy 1989; 62:201-204

Grant JA, Alam R, Lett-Brown: Histamine-releasing factors and inhibitors:
historical perspectives and possible implications in human illness. J Allergy
Clin Immunol 1991;88:683-693

Kaliner MA: Nonsedating antihistamines: pharmacology, clinical efficacy and
adverse effects. Am Family Physician 1992;45:1337-1342

Mayumi H, Kimura S, Asano M, et al: IV cimetidine as an effective treatment
for systemic anaphylaxis and acute allergic skin reactions. Ann Allergy
1987;58:447-450

Moscati RM, Moore GP: Comparison of cimetidine and diphenhydramine in the
treatment of acute urticaria. Ann Emerg Med 1990;19:41-44

Yarbrough JA, Moffitt JE, Brown DA: Cimetidine in the treatment of refractory
anaphylaxis. Ann Allergy 1989;63:235-238