Parents, take note. Health journalist Victoria Gilbert has come up with a comprehensive guide to children’s allergies. Allergies — a Parent’s Guide (Need to Know Books) is a practical handbook for parents who have children with allergies or those who suspect their child may be allergic to something.

Mrs Gilbert, 37, who writes under the name Victoria Goldman, tells People: “Allergies have become increasingly common and they can impact upon children’s daily lives. The key is to try and make sure they lead as normal lives as possible.”

The book contains information on allergy prevention, signs and symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment. There is also a chapter on helping children to deal with their allergies in the context of school.

The mother-of-two, whose two sons suffer from allergies, says the most common condition in children are food allergies, such as reactions to nuts, hayfever and dust allergies.

With a background in biomedical science, Mrs Gilbert writes regularly for the pharmacy press and parenting magazines. She lives in Bushey Heath, Herts.