Course Objectives

• Describe mechanisms and current studies of the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy. Discuss limitations and adverse reactions associated with administration of allergens by this method.
• Discuss a practical approach to the differential diagnosis of asthma in adults and children.
• Describe the structure and function of the innate immune system and its relationship to the adaptive immune system in the generation of IgE responses.
• Define the nature of IgE-mediated and non IgE mediated adverse reactions to various vaccine; develop a diagnostic approach to the evaluation of adverse reaction to vaccines including skin testing, where appropriate; provide advise to patients and families regarding the future administration of vaccines after an adverse reaction to a previously administered vaccine.
• Discuss controversies in implementation of home environmental control. Describe a practical approach to implementing control measures for patients.
• Describe emerging concepts of the disease mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and apply these concepts to patient management.