All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More

by Zachary Rubin

From viral social media sensation Dr. Zachary Rubin, an in-depth look at both common and surprising allergies, spotlighting patient stories, the history and science behind allergies, common myths, treatment options, and more.

Millions of people suffer from various allergic diseases. They’re some of the most common but widely misunderstood afflictions today, and Dr. Rubin has made it his mission to pull back the curtain and help everyday people understand their allergies and find ways to feel better.

In All About Allergies, Dr. Rubin explores and explains dozens of allergies and diseases and provides actionable treatment options and information. Sections on the history of allergies, asthma, contact dermatitis, sinusitis, food allergies, anaphylaxis, medication allergies, and more pair with treatment info on medications, immunotherapy, and biologics to equip people with the tools they need to tackle their allergies.

Grounded by expert research and propelled by patient stories, science, history, and, of course, Dr. Rubin’s engaging voice, All About Allergies is the ultimate resource for anyone who’s ever felt in the dark about their health.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Science, Self Help, Medical, Medicine

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 24, 2026

About the author

Dr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who practices at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over 3 million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy. Dr. Rubin earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, and his allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Outside of medicine, he enjoys swimming, hiking, hula hooping, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and three German Shepherds. All About Allergies is his first book, offering a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

All About Allergies is a comprehensive book written by Zachary Rubin, a physician specializing in allergy and immunology. He covers such topics as the basic anatomy of allergies, in-depth explanations of allergic diseases, and the treatment options for these diseases. His writing style is very approachable for the layman trying to learn about these conditions. This book would be valuable for someone wanting to gain a greater understanding of these issues.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume publishers for the ARC copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. The thoughts and opinions are all my own.

All About Allergies is Dr. Zachary Rubin’s first book, it offers a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.

Part one was a real eye-opener for me, offering a comprehensive overview of "The History of Allergies", "The Immune System", "The Anatomy of Allergies", and "What to Expect at the Allergist’s Office". As someone who has battled allergies their entire life, this section provided me with insight of my body and the root causes of various allergies. Dr. Rubin’s ability to simplify technical medical terms was truly helpful.

Part two was also extremely helpful. In “Allergic Rhinitis and Non-Allergic Rhinitis” I have discovered many facts that revealed my misunderstandings and will help me in the future.

I like the way this book is broken down into parts and chapters so that you can read what pertains to you personally. Although I read each chapter because it was very interesting to me!

Dr. Rubin covers Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Food Allergies, Eczema, Dermatitis, Hives, Angioedema, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Medications, Insect Stings, Vaccine Allergies and Mast Cell Disorders in great depth although it is not meant to be a medical diagnosis or medical treatment guide!

I am so thankful that I chose to read Dr. Rubin’s book. I feel as though I have been to school as i know so much more now than I did before reading it. I would recommend reading this book if you have unanswered questions pertaining to your health or if you just want to understand your body more.

[Susan Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved, loved, loved Dr. Rubin’s book, All About Allergies!!!! For full transparency, I am Dr. Rubin’s mother. But, I am not at all biased, maybe just a little, lol!!! In all seriousness, when our children were growing up, there were a lot of medical and scientific discussions around our dinner table. I was the parent who would just smile and nod, pretending to understand what they were talking about, or I would put my fingers in my ear and hum, so I would not get faint.
When I first approached my son’s book, I had flashbacks of those dinner table discussions. I quickly realized, that I was totally drawn in and fascinated with every passing page. All About Allergies, is beautifully written and geared to both health professionals and people like me, the layperson, who does not have medical expertise. The book incorporates medical history, detailed, but understandable explanations of various problems, and fascinating anecdotes to give a clearer picture of the issues being addressed.
Yes, I am Dr. Rubin’s mother, but I highly recommend his book, All About Allergies, for anyone whose lives have been touched by allergies or for someone who just wants to understand and learn more. I am so incredibly proud he wrote this wonderful book, and I know you will find it extremely helpful!!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has some very impressive credentials. I think that you would have to really be interested in this subject to be able to read this book without losing focus. That said it is a very informative book, and it covers so much. It delves into the history of allergies as well as lots of information about the immune system. From there it goes into all types of allergies, allergy testing, what to expect from the doctor, both prescription and over the counter medications, as well as other options. Absolutely loaded with information. I did get a little bleary-eyed reading this and may have skimmed through several parts.
Thanks to Dutton Books for the Uncorrected Proof to read and review.

[Nykole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Plume for an advanced digital copy of this book! I think this is a great introduction to allergies and other similar conditions. Dr. Rubin approaches complex scientific topics in a way that is easy to understand and informative. It was great to get more insight into both common and lesser known topics within the realm of allergies. I also have found that I need to make an appointment with an allergist because my symptoms are not as normal as I thought! This was an enjoyable and informative read!

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeking the science to further expand your knowledge of allergies before you worry yourself that you are suddenly allergic to everything? This is your first stop while you wait for your allergy specialist appointment. This is an illumination conversation between Rubin and readers to understand the depth of allergies. There are various factors that explain the onset of allergies, potential triggers, causes, and potential medications. The process of allergies and the type of information an allergy specialist will use to access your conditions is explained chapter by chapter. An informative read for a generation that wants the context to understanding their immune system.
Learn the history of allergies, allergy medical research, immunology and how we go to the current state of allergy medications that are commonly used today. Rubin provides each chapter ending with key points to take away from the chapter. Sometimes it helps to break up dense information to really absorb everything as the reader. This is a helpful reference guide to help you understand the journey you may embark on with your allergy specialist. Or maybe you are just a nerd like me curious to learn more about the medical scope of understanding about allergies.
As a cat owner with cat allergies, it was interesting to learn more about the intricacies of cat dander and how our body reacts to it. It also ensured that my consistency in keeping the cat fur count low in my house helps to an extent to have less reactions to pets. That does not mean the allergy is eliminated but in this book you learn the intricacies of why certain allergies are likely to linger over others. There are certain proteins and responses your body is going to react to more than others. The in-depth analysis of the medical knowledge here is helpful to further explore that.
A further investigation of the way our bodies react to the environment, food, and pets around us. Remember this is not a replacement for medical advice but a groundwork to help you understand the various relationships our bodies have with allergies and medicine response. Rubin will walk you through all the aspects about the allergy process and medical science. The first few chapters are loaded with medical terminology and information that really helps to address the information further along in the book. Thank you Netgalley and Plume for this advanced digital copy.

Read more reviews and recommendations on https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/

[Acton.and.Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Plume and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent and appreciated. Dr. Rubin is a master at making complicated medical concepts approachable.

I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but as someone who has experienced allergies and “might be an allergy” issues throughout my life, reading this book was a must.

First, it was comprehensive. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a volume that goes into such depth about so broad a range of conditions. There was so much information. I want to get a physical copy to keep as a reference.

Second, I appreciated the attention given to topics such as false positives and negatives; the potential for “aging out” of allergies; and the actual likelihood of drug and vaccine allergies. Everything was backed by data. And, again, all of the explanations were straightforward and easy to comprehend.

Thank you for this book. I am more empowered in understanding and talking about my own health. In addition, this book is a gift that I am excited to share it with my family and friends.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All About Allergies was highly informative while being breaking down the science in easy-to-understand ways.

The first part of the book was a little heavy but it laid the ground knowledge for future chapters. As someone who struggles with environmental allergies, food allergies and asthma I feel more empowered to take care of my health. This book was very eye opening and I realized that one of the ways I have treated food allergies could have led to a recent scary health event.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has food allergies, has food allergies themselves and teachers. The chapter on anaphylaxis and epipen usage can literally save lives as fewer and fewer schools are able to have full time school nurses.

Thank you to Dr. Zachary Rubin, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

All About Allergies is one of those rare medical books that manages to be both deeply practical and genuinely enjoyable to read. As a family nurse practitioner in working in both primary and urgent care, I see allergy complaints daily—from seasonal allergic rhinitis to food sensitivities to parents worried about rashes, coughs, and “mystery reactions.” This book has become an invaluable resource in my clinical practice.

Dr. Rubin breaks down complex immunologic concepts in a way that is clear, accurate, and approachable without being oversimplified. The explanations are patient-friendly, yet still clinically solid, which makes it incredibly helpful when I’m counseling patients or parents who are overwhelmed by misinformation (especially from social media). I’ve found myself directly borrowing his language when explaining why allergies happen, how they differ from intolerances, and what actually works for treatment.

What I appreciate most is the book’s emphasis on evidence-based care. It reinforces appropriate use of antihistamines, nasal steroids, and allergy avoidance strategies while also addressing common myths—something I confront constantly in primary care. The sections on pediatric allergies, food reactions, and environmental triggers have been especially helpful for guiding conversations with families and setting realistic expectations.

This book has sharpened my confidence in diagnosing and managing allergic conditions and has improved how I educate patients. It’s the kind of resource you finish and immediately think, I’m going to be better at my job because I read this.

I would highly recommend All About Allergies to clinicians in primary care, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and even patients who want a trustworthy, readable guide to understanding allergies without fear-based or sensationalized information.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of All About Allergies. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Dr. Rubin on social media for a while now, and I already loved how he breaks down complicated allergy info into tips and advice that actually make sense. He’s so smart, but he explains things in a way that feels approachable and gives you hope. That same voice absolutely comes through in All About Allergies.

What I loved most? He talks about mast cell disorders! FINALLY! They’re barely discussed in mainstream allergy conversations, and as someone who’s been dealing with a mast cell disorder for years, this was refreshing and validating to read.

If you’re someone who’s seeking the science, like wanting to understand why your body is reacting before spiraling into thinking you’re allergic to everything, then this is the perfect first stop while you’re waiting for that specialist appointment. Rubin takes you through the history of allergies, immunology, and how we got to today’s treatments (and why some of the myths, like always reaching for Benadryl first, aren’t great). He lays out what factors can trigger allergies, what testing and treatment really look like, and even gives key takeaway points at the end of each chapter, which made it easier to digest all the medical terminology.

This is not meant to replace medical advice, but it’s an amazing groundwork if you want to better understand how your immune system works or just nerd out on the science behind allergic disease. Rubin’s social media reputation (over a million followers!) makes total sense because he’s no nonsense, evidence based, and even busts some myths about inhaler use, allergy testing, and treatment options.

Highly recommend if you’re dealing with allergies, have a mast cell disorder, or just want to understand the medical side of things better. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel informed before you head into your doctor’s office and for me, that’s everything.

Thank you to NetGalley, Zachary Rubin, and Dutton/Plume for the eARC of this book.

[Denisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume publishers for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. All About Allergies is exactly the kind of medical nonfiction that feels both substantial and readable: Rubin breaks down the history of allergies, the immune system, and a wide range of conditions in clear, accessible language that never talks down to the reader. The chapters are organized by condition and conclude with concise key takeaways, making it work just as well as a flip-to-what-you-need reference as it does as a cover-to-cover read.

What stood out most is how practical and empowering this feels if you live with allergies or care for someone who does. Rubin doesn’t just explain the science; he walks you through testing, treatment options, common myths, and real-world management at home, school, and in the doctor’s office. It’s a strong recommendation if you’re waiting for an allergy appointment and trying to finally understand what your immune system is up to, rather than spiraling on Google.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we’ve come to expect from his prowess at fighting disinformation on social media, Dr. Rubin presents information in an easily digestible way for both laypeople and those of us in general practice.

In medicine, in order to explain something at an elementary level (as much as you can simplify leukotrienes and immunotherapy targets,) you have to have made the journey to understand at an expert/professional level first. It is evident that Dr. Rubin is passionate about his fields of Pediatrics and Allergy/immunology. He presents the allergic triad, plus food allergies, anaphylaxis, first, by introducing the physiology of disease, then describing disease manifestation/presentation, and finally, describing the current best practices for treating. Allergy is definitely a continually changing field and there are hopefully many advances to come! I will be purchasing a physical copy to have in my pediatrics office, for sure! Thank you and congratulations on your debut book, Dr. Rubin!

Thank you to Dutton for the ARC and all opinions are my own.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

All About Allergies is due to be published Feb 24, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for my review.
All About Allergies covers topics such as the basic make-up of allergies, in depth explanations of allergic diseases and reactions, and the treatment options for such diseases.
Part one covered "The History of Allergies", "The Immune System", "The Anatomy of Allergies", and "What to Expect at the Allergist’s Office".
I think this helped set the layout for the rest of the book and while this read more for someone already knowledgeable about allergies, it was easy to understand for those without a medical background.
The breakdown of the book was really helpful and would allow for people to focus on the areas of allergies that impact their own lives, but the culmination of knowledge was helpful as a whole. I appreciated the emphasis on evidence-based care, reinforcing appropriate use of antihistamines, steroids, and avoidance strategies while also addressing some of the common myths associated with allergies.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's dry reading at times but there is so much information. Rubin presents the info as simply as he can since this book is intended for the layperson, and not the professional.

I liked that he readily admitted when information was unknown or unverified eg a an experiment that may look good but the results haven't yet been verified or replicated.

There was a lot of information to process, and of course, lots I didn't know. I have a better understanding now of my allergies and asthma. That was my primary reason for requesting the book.

If you want to know more about hives, MCAS, eczema, asthma, etc, I recommend this book. It's not a quick read but it is quite through. I follow Dr. Rubin on Facebook, he's on other platforms too, and I could hear his voice in my head while I read. Heh, sorry for the rhyme.

Anyway, get and read this book.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It starts by providing a strong look at the basic science of allergies, done in plain language and with great, clear explanations. Dr. Rubin makes good use of analogies to make his points, and reinforces the key points in brief summaries at the ends of chapters. The book also uses great illustrative stories to provide context and will frequently refer the reader back to relevant sections of the allergy basics to help. Dr. Rubin covers a large spectrum of allergic diseases and provides a lot of very practical information, including outside references for those desiring more information. He also discusses treatment in detail giving the pros and cons of each. Overall, this was a great read. Thank you to Edelweiss and Plume for the digital review copy.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **
This comprehensive guide to allergies is as accessible as it is informative. The chapters are clearly divided by allergic diseases—rhinitis, eczema, asthma, food allergies, etc—making it easy to navigate. Rubin explains complex medical concepts in straightforward language, often using real-life case studies to illustrate his points. I especially valued the sections on new treatment options and prevention strategies. It’s the kind of reference book that works for both quick look-ups and cover-to-cover reading. A must-have for anyone managing allergies or supporting someone who does.

[Mackenzie McClintock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I found this book really fascinating and insightful despite its in-depth topics related to allergies and the human body.

I got the most out of it by reading just a section at a time and digging through the ones that felt most applicable to myself or my close family/friends. Dr. Rubin does a nice job breaking down the complex topics and adding reality into the picture instead of making it into a fear-mongering novel related to sickness or health.

The book isn't one you'll probably read straight through in one sitting and in my opinion, it shouldn't be. Take your time and soak up the knowledge. Definitely found myself thinking, "The more you know!"

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying thank you to Netgalley and Publisher/Author for the ARC!

I've been following Dr. Rubin on social media for a while now and really love his attitude/approach to medicine. When I heard that he was publishing a book, I immediately clicked "wanted to ARC" because I knew it would be good. This book doesn't disappoint. Yes its a lot of information to take in but Dr. Rubin does a really good job for breaking it down into easy to read sections for people who might not understand medical language. The reader can see his personality shine through the book page after page. I can't wait for other people to be able to read this book and hopefully it helps them understand their allergies a little better.

[Abby Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow Dr. Rubin on socials and had the privilege of interviewing him for the allergy representation in my upcoming title The Night We Met, so when he asked me if I'd like an early copy of this, I of course jumped on it. Exactly what you'd expect from Dr. Rubin—easy to understand information about allergies in a comprehensive and practical textbook. I found the part on MCAS particularly interesting. I feel like there's not enough information on this out there in the world. I've been following the journey of a local Minnesota woman with this for years and it really helped to demystify it.

Everyone should have this in their library!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Plume for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Dr. Rubin first came to my attention in an Instagram Reels video. I love his advice and the way he explains things, so when I saw he wrote a book, I knew I had to read it.
This is an extremely helpful book. I love the way he broke it up and how each chapter is full of information but easy to understand. He does a great job of talking about the science, about how allergies work, about what's going on in the body, about how different treatments work, and I even liked how he spent some time at the end talking about the future of each topic he covered.
Highly recommend if you suffer from allergies (or know someone who does) or if you simply like science and/or well-written books!

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Zachary Rubin is an uber popular allergist who has built a massive following on social media of over a million followers. This book is a no nonsense look at the often misunderstood area of medicine: allergic disease. Readers will be surprised to learn the truth about allergy testing, why Benadryl shouldn't be your 1st choice, and how allergies impact your body. Think you're using your rescue inhaler correctly? Maybe not.

Highly recommend.

* I read an advance copy and was not compensated.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and very well researched reference book on all things allergy related! As someone who has dealt with allergies their entire life, it was very interesting to learn more about them and how our bodies respond to them. I have food allergies as well and it's neat to see how they develop in our lives. It's a must read for sure!

I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All About Allergies is an accessible and informative read. As a lifelong allergy and occasional asthma sufferer, I found Dr. Rubin’s explanations of allergic conditions fascinating and comprehensive, even if they did not convince me to give up my dog, Olive. I especially appreciated the brief inclusion of the allergy-adjacent condition dermatographic urticaria, an often-overlooked condition that I also suffer from and that most people are unaware of. The book is well structured, beginning with medical foundations before moving through specific afflictions chapter by chapter, and is grounded in empathy through real patient stories. Rubin’s compassionate tone and commitment to combating mis- and disinformation shine through.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy for review.