Shambo Samrat Samajdar

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare represents a fundamental shift that redefines how clinicians diagnose, treat and prevent disease. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy in radiology, to facilitating personalised medicine in oncology, and improving chronic disease management through predictive analytics, AI is already playing a critical role in patient care. However, for many physicians, understanding the nuances of AI applications, ethical implications, and integration challenges, remains an obstacle. This book helps demystify AI by providing a structured overview of its current and potential applications across multiple specialties, supplemented with practical case studies, ethical considerations, and regulatory insights. The text addresses both technical and practical aspects of AI, providing readers with the knowledge needed to evaluate, implement and benefit from AI tools in clinical settings. Each chapter is enriched by real-world examples, tables and case scenarios that illustrate the impact of AI in diverse medical contexts. These scenarios not only inform, but also provoke thought about the ethical, legal and operational challenges associated with AI in health care. The book concludes with a self-assessment section comprising a selection of multiple choice questions (MCQs) allowing readers to test their knowledge and further enhance understanding.

With allergy-related conditions affecting millions of lives worldwide and an ever-growing number of individuals experiencing the impact of allergens on their health, it has become increasingly clear that clinical understanding must blend historical knowledge, practical techniques, and regional considerations. This book is divided into five chapters, each reflecting a fundamental aspect of allergy science and practice, essential for healthcare providers. In Chapter 1, “Introduction to Allergy,” the authors explore the foundations of allergy and its development as a discipline. Chapter 2, “History-taking and Clinical Methods in Airway Allergy,” explains the critical role of detailed history-taking and clinical methods for accurate diagnosis, particularly in airway allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding a patient’s unique experiences, triggers, and response patterns. Chapter 3, “Skin Prick Test,” examines one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in allergy practice. It provides an in-depth guide to the skin prick test (SPT), detailing the procedure, its reliability, and significance as a cornerstone in allergy diagnostics. Chapter 4, “Allergen Immunotherapy,” presents a transformative approach to allergy management that extends beyond symptomatic relief. This chapter explores immunotherapy’s mechanisms of action, its forms (subcutaneous and sublingual), and its long-term benefits in altering immune responses to allergens, helping practitioners achieve long-term relief and improved immune responses in patients. The final chapter, “Aeroallergens in India,” discusses aeroallergens within the Indian subcontinent, addressing the country’s unique environmental and ecological challenges, with tailored diagnostic and management strategies for clinicians.