As an allergy specialist working in a busy children’s hospital and as a cutting edge researcher, Dr Susan Prescott is perfectly placed to explore how and why we are experiencing an epidemic rise in allergic diseases as well as the practical side of dealing with these potentially life-threatening conditions. Why is allergic disease increasing so rapidly, especially in young infants? What are the environmental factors contributing to this? Susan Prescott is a great communicator, telling the intriguing story of allergy in the modern world, and combining her scientific knowledge with the human touch of the clinician.