This issue of SPECTRUM looks at a very widespread problem in modern societies. In the industrial nations approximately 25% of the population now suffers from allergies, and the figure is still rising. Apparently harmless substances such as pollens, foodstuffs, or animal hair trigger an overreaction of the immune system in sensitive people, resulting in acute or chronic illness. The complaints range from mild local symptoms affecting the nose, eyes, or skin through life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Ever more children and adults are now developing cross-allergies that are particularly difficult to treat.
Here we present homeopathic alternatives to the constant use of antiallergic medication or the long-drawn-out process of desensitization. We focus particularly on the chronic manifestations of atopy: asthma and eczema. Homeopathy can play a prominent role in treating these illnesses, especially in childhood.
