Book Description
The first book to address this life-threatening allergy!

Considered by experts to be the most deadly food allergy, peanut allergy is becoming more and more common. Nobody is sure why, and doctors are racing to develop a vaccine while parents rush to safeguard their children from peanut butter, once considered a childhood staple. At this time, approximately 1.5% of the population is allergic to peanuts, but that number is growing exponentially as peanuts are used in and more and more common foods.

Written by an eminent pediatric allergist, The Peanut Allergy Answer Book explains how the allergy works, how to prevent reactions, and how to handle the difficulty of teaching a small child to be wary of foods without scaring him.

- Discover the foods in which "hidden" peanuts lurk-some will surprise you! - Find out whether your other children are likely to have peanut allergy if one has it. - Understand the link between peanut allergy and breastfeeding.

"A wonderful little book, chock full of important and up-to-date information that should be read not only by the peanut-allergic patient, but by all patients with food allergy." --James P. Rosen, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Medical School

Dedication
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter One: Allergies In A Nutshell
What is food allergy?
What is food allergy and how does it relate to the immune system?
How do you know if you an allergist?
What information does you doctor need to diagnose food allergy?
Allergy tests
What is an elimination diet?
Are there food reactions that aren't allergies?
Chapter Two: Peanut Allergy 101
What is the historical background of peanut allergy?
How common is peanut allergy?
Is peanut allergy hereditary?
How early can peanut sensitization occur?
What in peanuts make them so allergenic?
Is the peanut a true nut?
Should all members of a food family be avoided if you are allergic to one food in that family?
Are peanut-allergic individuals also allergic to tree nuts?
Should peanut-allergic individuals avoid tree nuts?
Can peanut allergy be transferred from person to person?
Will I outgrow my peanut allergy?
Chapter Three: Anaphylaxis
What is anaphylaxis?
Can severe anaphylaxis be predicted?
What is the treatment for anaphylaxis?
What is the smallest amount of peanut that can cause an allergic reaction?
Can the odor of peanuts cause an allergic reaction?
Chapter Four: Finding The Hidden Peanut Products
How can peanuts and peanut products be 'hidden' in foods?
Why aren't labels foolproof?
Is peanut oil safe for peanut-allergic individuals?
Chapter Five: Keeping safe in a Peanut-Filled World
Should peanut snacks be banned from airlines?
What are some of the problems facing the peanut-allergic infant and toddler?
Should peanuts be banned from schools?
What is the responsibility of the school to the peanut-allergic child?
What can the parents do for the school?
How will this allergy affect my child's emotional and social development?
What are some of the problems unique to the peanut-allergic adolescent?
Should you wear a Medic-Alert Bracelet?
Chapter Six: Prevention Of Peanut And Other Food Allergy
Can peanut allergy be treated with allergy shots?
What does the future hold for the treatment of peanut allergy?
Appendix A: Where Can I Learn More About Food Allergies?
Appendix B: What Are The Main Take-Home Points to Remember About Peanut Allergy?
Appendix C: Glossary of Terms
Appendix D: References