Allergy and the nervous system

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In recent decades, the bidirectional communication between the immune and nervous systems has become increasingly evident. Chronic stress's role in allergic diseases and inflammation prompts an exploration of how psychosocial factors affect allergic conditions. This volume elucidates the functions of the autonomic, peripheral, and central nervous systems in allergy and asthma, featuring contributions from leading clinicians and researchers. It encompasses a broad array of subjects, including psychology, epigenetics, and brain imaging. The 15 invited reviews delve into various topics, such as stress's impact on allergy and asthma, the concept of programming during pregnancy and throughout life, the importance of neurotrophins, and the nervous system's involvement in asthma and lung inflammation. Additionally, it investigates the interactions between mast cells and the nervous system, alongside the gut microbiome's role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress responses. Other chapters address neural and behavioral changes related to food allergies, the neuroendocrine system's influence on the skin, and how the brain processes itch. This unique volume is essential reading for allergologists, psychologists focused on allergy and somatic manifestations, respirologists, asthma researchers, and anyone intrigued by psychoneuroimmunology.