Chapter 1. Spirometry or Body Plethysmography for the Assessment of Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness, R. Merget, F. Nensa, E. Heinze, D. Taeger, T. Bruening -- Chapter 2. Clinical Effects, Exhaled Breath Condensate pH and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Humans after Ethyl Acrylate Exposure, F. Hoffmeyer, J. Bünger, C. Monsé, H. Berresheim, B. Jettkant, A. Beine, T. Brüning, K. Sucker -- Chapter 3. Effectiveness of PCR and Immunofluorescence Techniques for Detecting Human Cytomegalovirus in Blood and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid, A. Roy, K. Duk, B. Szumna, P., D. Gawryluk, J. Chorostowska-Wynimko -- Chapter 4. The Role of Ion Channels to Regulate Airway Ciliary Beat Frequency During Allergic Inflammation, M. Joskova, M. Sutovska, P. Durdik, D. Koniar, L. Hargas, P. Banovcin, M. Hrianka, V. Khazaei, L. Pappova, S. Franova -- Chapter 5. Content of Asthmagen Natural Rubber Latex Allergens in Commercial Disposable Gloves, C. Bittner, M. Velasco Garrido, L.H. Krach, V. Harth -- Chapter 6. Thermal Sensitivity and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), K. Takeda, M. Pokorski, Y. Okada -- Chapter 7. IgE Reactivity, Work Related Allergic Symptoms, Asthma Severity, and Quality of Life in Bakers with Occupational Asthma, C. Bittner, M. Velasco Garrido, V. Harth, A.M. Preisser -- Chapter 8. Effects of Selective Inhibition of PDE4 by YM976 on Airway Reactivity and Cough in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Guinea Pigs, J. Mokrý, A. Fulmeková, I. Medvedová, M. Kertys, P. Mikolka, P. Kosutová, D. Mokrá -- Chapter 9. Airway Defense Control Mediated via Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels, M. Kocmalova, M. Joskova, S. Franova, P. Banovcin, M. Sutovska -- Chapter 10 -- Virological Characteristics of the 2014/2015 Influenza Season Based on Molecular Analysis of Biological Material Derived from I-MOVE, E. Hallmann-Szelinska, K. Bednarska, M. Korczynska, I. Paradowska-Stankiewicz, L.B. Brydak.

Allergy is an increasing health issue. It often targets the respiratory tract and entwines with respiratory ailments, which makes it difficult to discern the cause-effect linkage. Nonetheless, measures to counter the allergic background are a linchpin in preserving respiratory health. This book is an update on current advances in clinical and basic science on allergy and related topics. The diagnostics of allergy requires a multidisciplinary approach, including molecular examinations aimed at unraveling the intracellular control cascades. Chapters give insight into the innovations concerning modern pulmonary function tests, discuss pharmacological paradigms, and tackle the overlapping infectious aspects and clinical symptoms and markers. Environmental and genetic factors elicit a spectrum of inflammatory phenotypes linked to differential body responses to allergic perturbations. The book is intended for healthcare professionals, notably pulmonologists, primary care physicians, and medical researchers.