Statistics show that up to 40 percent of children in the United States suffer from allergies and at least 10 percent suffer from asthma. That translates into almost five million American children affected by both allergies and asthma. And as Dr. Allen J. Dozor, head of one of the largest pediatric pulmonary practices in the United States, has seen among his patients, some of the most upsetting effects of allergies and asthma are the psychological wounds inflicted on a child's self-image. There is the constant protectiveness from caregivers, confusing limits and rules, headaches, obesity, shortness of breath, and sleep deprivation. In some cases these side effects, such as stress and obesity, cycle back to make the original condition worse. Dr. Dozor's plan, developed over the last twenty years, is designed to empower both parents and children. His warmhearted but reality-based approach includes

Statistics show that up to 40 percent of children in the United States suffer from allergies and at least 10 percent suffer from asthma. That translates into almost five million American children affected by both allergies and asthma. And as Dr. Allen J. Dozor, head of one of the largest pediatric pulmonary practices in the United States, has seen among his patients, some of the most upsetting effects of allergies and asthma are the psychological wounds inflicted on a child's self-image. There is the constant protectiveness from caregivers, confusing limits and rules, headaches, obesity, shortness of breath, and sleep deprivation. In some cases these side effects, such as stress and obesity, cycle back to make the original condition worse.

ContentsIntroduction: Why This Book Is So Important to Me1 What Is Happening to Your Child?1 An Unnecessary Burden: Feeling Fair-to-Poor When Good-to-Great Is Possible2 Allergies and Asthma: The Basics3 Understanding the Causes of Allergic Reactions 2 In Search of a Solution4 Consulting the Doctor: Pediatrician, Family Physician, or Specialist? 5 Reaching a Diagnosis6 Identifying Food Allergies3 Allergy and Asthma Action Plan: Prevention7 Allergy Shots: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How8 Day-to-Day Prevention at Home and Beyond9 The Truth About Cats, Dogs, Birds, and Other Animal Friends10 Prevention and Management of Allergies and Asthma at School 11 Preventing Allergic Reactions to Foods12 Prevention and Management Away from Home: Sleepovers, Summer Camp, Family Trips, Scuba Diving, and Mountain Climbing4 Asthma Action Plan: Medication and Treatment13 Asthma: Overview of Treatment14 Asthma Triggered by Allergens15 Asthma Triggered by Infections16 Asthma Triggered by Exercise5 Allergy Action Plan: Medication and Treatment17 Allergic Rhinitis (Nasal Allergies) and Allergic Conjunctivitis (Eye Allergies)18 Skin Allergies19 Drug and Insect Allergies20 Anaphylaxis and Emergency Management of Allergic Reactions6 Enjoying Life21 The Psychological Aspects of Managing Allergies and Asthma22 Keeping Allergies and Asthma Under ControlAppendix: ResourcesStudent Asthma Action CardAcknowledgmentsIndex