Email: (aair@globalnet.co.uk)

Snail mail: Asthma & Allergy Research Unit, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK.

Phone: (0) 116 273 5090/8 _______ Fax: (0) 116 273 3647

The objectives of AAIR and those of its parent organisation are to further education and research in asthma and allergic diseases, and it provides support for patients in certain areas.

The study of pollens and fungal spores in the atmosphere which can cause asthma and nasal allergies has been a major activity; MAARA employs two experienced aerobiologists (Julie Corden and Wendy Millington) in Derby, and supports such work (aerobiology) at the Department of Botany at the University of Leicester (John Bailey and a Research Fellow). We also work closely with Ursula Allitt, in Cambridge, UK, on fungal aerobiology. A major current interest is indoor air and indoor airborne fungi, as previous work has almost entirely been done outdoors, whereas our patients spend the overwhelming majority of their time in the indoor and built environment. We have devised an indoor spore sampler which, for the first time, permits indoor airborne fungi and pollens to be studied quantitatively to the standards which are routine for outdoor aerobiology.

Education for patients

• Allergy to nuts
  A booklet, fairly detailed.

• House dust mite control
  Much printed advice is unreliable. This is an attempt to be sensible, but it is brief and needs expanding, given the major inconvenience and expense of effective action. We sell good quality bedding covers for mite dust control; the leaflet mentions these, though you can get covers from other sources too.

• Pets and allergy
  Pets cause asthma and other allergies; no doubt about it. But getting rid of a loved pet is not easy, and the evidence that it is responsible for your illness may not be obvious to you. Here are some facts and opinions.

• Bee and Wasp venom allergy and its treatment by desensitisation
  For people who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a bee or wasp sting.

• Urticaria
  This very common itchy skin complaint, also called 'nettlerash' or 'hives', is frustrating because the cause often cannot be found. Long-term antihistamines may be the best answer, but they don't always work well enough.

• Exercise induced asthma
  Some practical tips may help you enjoy sports and other physical activity.

2) Anaphylaxis prevention and treatment: we provide instruction in allergen avoidance and adrenaline administration at our offices in Leicester, currently at Leicester General Hospital.

3) Lectures to patient groups: Dr Stern is willing to lecture to self-help groups within reasonable reach in the UK on asthma, food allergy including nut allergy, atopic eczema, and other allergy-related subjects.

Education for doctors and other health professionals

1) The above leaflets are available by arrangement. There is likely to be a charge covering our costs for quantities greater than ten leaflets.

2) Videotapes of lectures by top experts are available on loan to individual doctors with a special interest free of charge (we charge for p&p). Some will play on a standard UK VHS video player, but the majority are in the American NTSC format and require a video recorder which is either 'multi-standard' or of the American type. Your Medical Illustration or Audiovisual department may well have such a machine and a few private individuals own them.

3) Lectures to medical groups: Dr Stern is willing to lecture to groups within the UK on the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis, the important role of allergy in asthma, food allergy including nut allergy, atopic eczema, and other allergy-related subjects.