Summer is nearly upon us. This month the focus of Annals is on allergens, which are critically important to our practices. I think you will find this month’s reviews very relevant to your practice and of much value as you provide the best possible care to your patients. One review this month is an update on mountain cedar allergy – something that is a major allergen in the south-central United States. The review brings the reader up to date on what is known about the tree, the pollen, and the allergies associated with them.
It is well known that indoor allergens can impact asthma. In an insightful review from one of the world leaders in this field, you will get a full update on what is and what is not known about how furred animals, cockroaches, dust mites, and indoor molds affect pediatric asthma. There is also a discussion on whether allergen reduction strategies are appropriate or not based on the current literature.
The CME Review this month is a compendium on contact allergens that I think you will find very useful. While I do not like suggesting you tear your Annals apart, this is one of those reviews that you should print an extra copy of and keep with you during your clinical work. Luz Fonacier, MD, FACAAI, and coworkers have provided a clearly written review with pictures and guidance that will help you properly and expertly address your patient’s concerns regarding contact allergens. Truly, this is a must-read review.
Every month’s Marginal Zone cartoon is worth reading, but this month Dr. Erin Reigh has outdone herself. You will need to look at “The Allergen Zodiac” to see what I mean. This may be a cartoon you’ll want to copy and stick on the wall of your office!
Our perspectives this month carries through with our theme and explore the role of allergens in atopic dermatitis, as well as the public health response to climate change, specifically focused on how this response relates to the practicing allergist-immunologist. Finally, we have a very interesting clinical case involving anaphylaxis to beer that should challenge and entertain you – cheers!
Annals has many more manuscripts this month that will help you be a better and more informed clinician. There are important studies in asthma, atopic dermatitis (including an intriguing study on whether bleach baths are supported by the literature), and anaphylaxis, amongst many other original research papers and letters.
I’d like to point out that this month’s cover is a nod to the editorial from the Annals editorial team on the war in Ukraine, and I hope you enjoy it. As the editorial states, “we must always stand up against … horrendous and terrible acts of violence against anyone.” Finally, I want to remind you that Annals would love to hear how the studies and reviews presented in our journal impact your practice. So, please consider sending any comments on Annals content as a correspondence.
