For children with food allergies, eatingone of the basic functions of lifecan be a nightmare. Children who suffer or become dangerously ill after eating peanuts, seafood, milk, eggs, wheat, or a host of other foods require constant vigilance from caring, concerned parents, teachers, and friends.In this empathetic and comprehensive guide, Dr. Scott H. Sicherer, a specialist in pediatric food allergies, gives parents the information they need to manage their children's health and quality of life. He describes why children develop food allergy, the symptoms of food allergy (affecting the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory system), and the role of food allergy in behavioral problems and developmental disabilities. Parents will learn how to recognize emergency situations, how to get the most out of a visit with an allergist, what allergy test results mean, and how to protect their childrenat home, at school, at summer camp, and in restaurants.Informative, compassionate, and practical, this guide will be indispensable for parents, physicians, school nurses, teachers, and everyone else who cares for children with food allergies.
To the ReaderForeword, by Anne Muñoz-FurlongIntroduction, by Hugh A. Sampson, M.D.Part I: The Many Faces of Food Allergy1. Food Allergy: The Nuts and Bolts2. Anaphylaxis3. Skin Rashes and Eczema4. Gastrointestinal Problems5. Breathing Problems6. Growth Problems7. Behavior and Developmental Disabilities8. Additives and Cross-ReactionsPart II: Diagnosing a Food Allergy9. The Medical History10. Allergy Tests for IgE: Skin and Blood Tests11. Elimination Diets and Oral Food Challenges12. Other Tests13. Putting It All TogetherPart III: Treating an Allergic Reaction14. Epinephrine15. Antihistamines and Other Therapies16. Emergency Action Plans for AnaphylaxisPart IV: Avoiding Food Allergens17. Avoidance Diets18. Maintaining a Nutritious Diet19. Navigating the Supermarket20. At Home and in Social Settings21. In Restaurants and while Traveling22. At School and CampPart V: Food Allergy at Different Ages and Stages23. Infants and Toddlers24. Preschool and School-Age Children25. Teenagers and Young AdultsPart VI: Emotional Concerns26. The Effect on Children and Families27. Maintaining a Healthy LifestylePart VII: Food Allergy in the Long Term28. The Natural Course of Food Allergy29. Preventing Food AllergyPart VIII: Looking Toward the Future30. Research for Improved Diagnosis31. Research for Treatment and CuresPart IX: Keeping Current32. An Action Plan for Anaphylaxis33. Food Allergy ResourcesGlossary of Common Allergic DisordersSelected ReferencesIndex
""A thorough overview... The information is useful to parents and others who take care of children with food allergies.""
