Over the past 20 years, public concerns have grown in response to the apparent rising prevalence of food allergy and related atopic conditions, such as eczema. Although evidence on the true prevalence of food allergy is complicated by insufficient or inconsistent data and studies with variable methodologies, many health care experts who care for patients agree that a real increase in food allergy has occurred and that it is unlikely to be due simply to an increase in awareness and better tools for diagnosis. Many stakeholders are concerned about these increases, including the general public, policy makers, regulatory agencies, the food industry, scientists, clinicians, and especially families of children and young people suffering from food allergy. At the present time, however, despite a mounting body of data on the prevalence, health consequences, and associated costs of food allergy, this chronic disease has not garnered the level of societal attention that it warrants. Moreover, for patients and families at risk, recommendations and guidelines have not been clear about preventing exposure or the onset of reactions or for managing this disease. Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy examines critical issues related to food allergy, including the prevalence and severity of food allergy and its impact on affected individuals, families, and communities; and current understanding of food allergy as a disease, and in diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and public policy. This report seeks to: clarify the nature of the disease, its causes, and its current management; highlight gaps in knowledge; encourage the implementation of management tools at many levels and among many stakeholders; and delineate a roadmap to safety for those who have, or are at risk of developing, food allergy, as well as for others in society who are responsible for public health.

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 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 children—at 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.

The most complete guide to preventing, testing, living with, and treating food allergies in children and adults. In this comprehensive, evidence-based guide for adults and children with food allergies and those who care for them, Dr. Scott H. Sicherer provides all the critical information you need on preventing, testing, living with, and treating food allergies. Organized in an accessible Q&A format and illustrated with case studies, the book thoroughly explains how to prevent exposure to a known allergen at home, at work, at school, in restaurants, and elsewhere. Emphasizing the most recent advances, Sicherer touches on everything from handling an anaphylactic emergency to diagnosing allergies and intolerances, all while detailing chronic health problems caused by food, such as eczema, hives, and gastrointestinal symptoms. He also shares: • the benefits and risks of new therapies • new prevention guidelines • new approaches to improve quality of life and reduce anxiety • the latest insights on adult-onset food allergies • new diagnostic tests now commercially available • approaches shown to increase safety in school • the latest thinking on treating eczema through the diet • new doses and self-injection devices for treating food anaphylaxis • new information about food allergies that affect the gut Dr. Sicherer also reviews food reactions that are not allergic, such as lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease. He explains how to get adequate nutrition when you must avoid dietary staples and discusses whether allergies ever go away (they do—and sometimes they return). Finally, he includes an allergy and anaphylaxis emergency plan and checklists to reduce cross-contamination. This is the most authoritative and accessible allergy book on the market.

Comprehensive and practical, this book thoroughly addresses the full range of concerns related to food allergies in the pediatric patient. As food allergies in the pediatric population increase in number and severity, Pediatric Food Allergy: A Clinical Guide provides information on new guidelines and potential treatment options, as well as working to improve awareness, diagnosis, management and prevention practices. Written by experts in their respective fields, chapters are divided into five sections. Opening with an introduction and overview of particular concerns and issues specific to food allergy in the pediatric population, sections two and three address diagnosis and management of comorbid conditions in food allergy, along with development of food allergies and current prevention recommendations. Sections four and five cover food allergy management, prognosis, and therapeutic options with a look to future developments, while all sections include a discussion of epidemiology, differential diagnoses of other potential food-related diseases. In Pediatric Food Allergy: A Clinical Guide, pediatricians and allergists alike will find an invaluable resource as they work with this vulnerable patient population.

Offers a complete identification and treatment guide for food allergies and food intolerance, and suggests that food sensitivity could be the cause of some chronic, unexplained health problems.

AARP Digital Editions offer you practical tips, proven solutions, and expert guidance. AARP Allergic Girl is an indispensable guide for living a full life with food allergies--from an Allergic Girl who lives it. Millions of Americans concerned about adverse reactions to food are seeking the advice of medical professionals and receiving a diagnosis of food allergies. Allergic Girl Sloane Miller, a leading authority on food allergies, has been allergic since childhood. She now lives a full, enjoyable life full of dining out, dating, attending work functions, and traveling. With tested strategies and practical solutions to everyday food allergy concerns, Allergic Girl shows how readers can enjoy their lives too. Informed by personal narratives laced with humor and valuable insights, Allergic Girl is a breakthrough lifestyle guide for food-allergic adults, their families, and loved ones. In Allergic Girl, you will discover: How to find the best allergist and get a correct diagnosis How to create positive relationships with family, friends, and food How to build a safe environment wherever you are Real-world scenarios scripted from the author's life as well her work with clients and other leaders in the field Enjoy your food-allergic life to the fullest. Let Allergic Girl show you how.

Too many children are having allergic reactions and anaphylaxis at school, often as a result of a lack of preparation and understanding. Each reaction is traumatic for the student who experiences it, for those who witness it, and for school staff who treat the child in the throes of this life threatening event. This important and comprehensive book presents straightforward information and recommendations for managing food allergies at school. Specifically covered are: ? A general overview of food allergies, including treatment and current research. ? A 3-Step Plan for school food allergy management. ? The process involved to develop a school district life threatening allergy policy. ? A thorough explanation of the laws that protect food-allergic students. ? The emotional impact of food allergies, including recommendations to support healthy coping strategies for the child and family. ? Practical tools, such as an Individual Healthcare Plan form, and a template for Recommended Standards for School Food Allergy Management. ? Highlighted excerpts written by parents and professionals offering their insights and experiences with food allergies. This book is required reading for parents and school personnel who are faced with the challenge of keeping children with food allergies safe at school.