Understanding and Managing Your Child's Food Allergies

by Scott H. Sicherer

Book Overview

For children with food allergies, eating--one of the basic functions of life--can 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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801884926
• ISBN13: 9780801884924
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Absolutlely the best book on Food Allergies around!!!

We have been managing my child's food allergies for the past 5 years - I have read many, many books on the subject. This one is the absolute best! As much as I understood about food allergies, I still had many questions. This book has helped to clear up most of them. Many of the books on food allergy create a sense of panic, especially when you are new to the situation. The information in this book takes some of the anxiety out of everyday life - our children can have normal, healthy, fun-filled lives!

Easy-to-read, up-to-date, comprehensive resource

My three-year old son has severe food allergies. This book -- written by a world-renowned pediatric allergist -- is one of the best food allergy books I've come across. It provides all the latest statistics and medical background regarding food allergy, and is easy for the lay public to digest, e.g., those of us without medical degrees. Another great book for parents learning to cope with their child's food allergies is: The Parents Guide to Food Allergies -- Clear and Complete Adivce From the Experts on Raising Your Food-Allergic Child. It's written by a parent -- who was a professional writer before discovering her child had food allergies. It's easy-to-read and covers some of the more emotional aspects of raising a child with this very unique and special need.

Solid, informative, and well-written

Dr. Sicherer has written a very helpful, up-to-date, and thorough book about food allergies and children. He and his team at Mt. Sinai are some of the top pediatric allergists working today, which is clear from his book. He does a great job giving an overview of food allergies, as well as some of the emotional consequences of having a child with one. I have read quite a few books on this topic (because of my daughter's food allergies) and this is my favorite. It's not alarmist, but recognizes that food allergies can be serous. It talks about the personal/emotional but doesn't exaggerate scary stories to make a more compelling read. If you have a child or grandchild with food allergies, I'd highly recommend this book.

A must if you have a child with allergies!!!

This is a great resource for Parents and caregivers with children suffering food allergies. I've found most Doctor's, even Allergists, do not take a proactive role in educating the Parent on how to manage such a lifestyle changing issue. I found this book and Dr. Sicherer does an outstanding job putting the processes of food allergies in layman's terms and describes the many steps in working through the issues related to this health concern. Best of luck if your just learning about food allergies, like me, but luckily, many children seem to grow out of some allergies with time - keeping my fingers crossed!!!

Great overview of food allergies

My 14 month old was just diagnosed with some potentially life-threatening food allergies and I felt like I couldn't easily get the information/support I wanted. This book has helped me become more informed and feed more prepared. He begins by explaining what causes an allergic reaction and then goes on to explain diagnosing allergies, treatment options, recognizing an allergic reaction (and the severity), and also includes a section on the long-term emotional/social implications of food allergies. There is a section that lists various allergens in foods, how likely it is that a child will outgrow them, and how common they are. He includes a ton of real-life case-studies, which not only help to clarify his point, but reminded me that I'm not the only one feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and sad about my child's allergies. While there is no replacement for the allergist who knows your child and their history, this book filled in a lot of blanks in questions I didn't even know I wanted to ask! I will pass this on to family members who are interested in learning more and highly recommend it to others.