Pediatric Allergy: Principles and Practice

This new book provides all of the state-of-the-art information needed to diagnose, manage, and treat virtually any type of allergy seen in children. With editors and contributors who rank among the world`s most noted authorities in pediatrics and allergy, this text offers definitive, practical coverage of today`s best knowledge in the field. It is certain to become the standard clinical reference on this vital and challenging subject. =Key Features *Presents clinical approaches for a full range of pediatric immunologic diseases, as well as descriptions of the latest immune-directed therapies and immunizations. *Offers detailed guidelines for the diagnosis and management of upper airway allergies *asthma *food allergies *allergic skin and eye diseases *and drug allergies and anaphylaxis. *Discusses each allergy syndrome`s differential diagnoses *key concepts *evaluation *environmental triggers *and emerging and established treatments and therapeutic principles. *Provides just enough basic science background to help readers understand the clinical recommendations. *Features abundant two-color figures illustrating complex principles—plus an insert containing full-color photographs that capture delicate visual nuances such as cutaneous manifestations. =Editorial Reviews From The New England Journal of Medicine This necessary and long-overdue textbook on allergic disorders in infants and children covers a wide range of topics, thus ensuring a good overview of the entire field. It covers food allergy extensively in nine well-written chapters, whose topics range from the mechanisms of mucosal immunity to the diagnosis and management of food allergy. Of particular note is the chapter on the prevention of atopy, in which various controversies are well presented and discussed. The 12 chapters in the section on asthma expertly cover immunopathology, new directions in research, and the clinical aspects of asthma. Chapters on the unique features of the education of patients about asthma and the promotion of adherence to treatment and self-management highlight the multidisciplinary approach needed for optimal treatment of the child with asthma. Rhinitis and drug allergies are discussed in less detail, and readers may have to refer to larger textbooks for more comprehensive information. As a bonus, sections on pediatric immunology and immunodeficiency have been included. Consistent with the rest of the textbook, these sections are concise and offer practical algorithms and tables. However, in contrast to the comprehensive and balanced treatment of the major problems in childhood allergy, the chapters on immunology reflect the experience of practitioners at only a single center. This book should appeal to trainees in pediatrics and related specialties because of its uniformly well-written text and well-organized format. The "key concepts" boxes throughout each chapter are invaluable for highlighting important points and summarizing information. Chaim Roifman, M.D. Copyright © 2004 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS. =Review "The goal of the editors of this textbook was to document & summarize the numerous recent changes in the field of pediatric allergy/immunology. Leung et al have fulfilled their aims and admirably filled a void in the allergy literature...In summary, Pediatric Allergy:Principles and Practice is an outstanding reference book that deserves to be in the library of every practicing pediatric allergist/immunologist and primary care pediatrician." -Respiratory Care,March 2004:vol.49 No3