Breathe Right Now A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating the Most Common Breathing Disorders

by Bruce, Debra Fulghum; Smolley, Laurence A.

• ISBN13: 9780393045994
• ISBN10: 0393045994
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-03-17
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Summary

Allergies, asthma, sinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)'”these and other misery-causing and often life-threatening respiratory disorders plague tens of millions of Americans. The good news in Breathe Right Now is that modern medicine has developed a wide range of effective treatments for the sneezing, sniffling, shortness of breath, wheezing, sleep disorders, and other problems that have caused so many people to put their lives on hold. Written by a trained clinician and an experienced medical writer, it is the first comprehensive reference and medical self-help book that does not endorse any single prescribed regimen or cure. Rather, it offers authoritative and accessible information on the many types of breathing disorders and provides a myriad of medical and nondrug options for managing them. With up-to-date information on the latest research and medical breakthroughs, numerous charts and checklists on drugs, symptoms and risk factors, full coverage of mind/body and other alternative therapies, and special sections on the particular needs of children and the elderly, this is a book that will be helping readers breathe easier for years to come.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xv	(4)
Rob Muzzio, Olympic Decathlete
Acknowledgments	xix	(6)
Introduction: New Hope for Better Breathing	xxv
Part 1 An Introduction to Breathing Problems	3	(54)
Chapter 1 The Fire of Life: How We Breathe	3	(8)
The Normal Respiratory System	4	(5)
Disruption of Breathing	9	(1)
Knowledge Is Crucial	10	(1)
Chapter 2 Understanding Allergy and Nasal Disorders	11	(19)
Allergy	13	(3)
Allergic Rhinitis	16	(2)
Infectious Rhinitis (The Common Cold)	18	(1)
Cold or Flu?	19	(1)
Rhinitis Caused by Medication	20	(1)
Food Allergy	20	(3)
Anaphylaxis	23	(1)
Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis	24	(1)
Oral Allergy Syndrome	25	(1)
Latex Allergy	25	(1)
Deviated Septum and Nasal Polyps	26	(1)
Sinusitis	26	(2)
Sinobronchial Syndrome	28	(1)
Ask Questions	29	(1)
Chapter 3 Understanding Asthma and Lung Disorders	30	(27)
Cough	32	(1)
Shortness of Breath	33	(1)
Bronchitis (Acute)	34	(1)
Bronchiectasis	34	(1)
Pneumonia	35	(1)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)	36	(2)
Bronchitis (Chronic)	38	(1)
Emphysema Due to Cigarette Smoking	39	(1)
Emphysema: Inherited	40	(2)
Asthma	42	(6)
Asthma Mimics	48	(1)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Asthma	49	(1)
Exercise-Induced Asthma	50	(1)
Occupational Asthma	51	(1)
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)	52	(1)
Solving the Mystery of Asthma	53	(4)
Part 2 Getting Back in Control	57	(138)
Chapter 4 Taking Responsibility for Self-Care	57	(26)
Working with Your Doctor	60	(4)
Specialized Tests	64	(9)
Developing a Personal Action Plan	73	(1)
Ten Tips to Help You Breathe Right Now	74	(8)
Regain Your Life	82	(1)
Chapter 5 Selecting Medical Treatment	83	(27)
A Stepwise Approach	86	(1)
Allergy and Nasal Problems	86	(1)
Antihistamines	87	(1)
Decongestants	88	(1)
Nasal Sprays	89	(1)
Antibiotics	90	(1)
Nasal Steroids	90	(1)
Nasal Wash	91	(1)
Drugs Affecting Mucus	92	(1)
Asthma and Other Lung Diseases	92	(3)
Corticosteroids (Steroids)	95	(1)
Mast Cell Stabilizer	96	(2)
Inhaled Beta2-agonists	98	(1)
Ipratropium Bromide	99	(1)
Theophylline	99	(3)
Immunosuppressive Therapy	102	(1)
Newer Drugs: Leukotriene Inhibitors and Antagonists	102	(1)
Oxygen Therapy	102	(2)
Immunizations	104	(2)
Surgery	106	(1)
More Tools for Better Breathing	106	(2)
Familiarity with Your Medications	108	(1)
Immunotherapy	108	(1)
Find What Works	109	(1)
Chapter 6 Avoiding Triggers	110	(17)
Environmental Factors	112	(2)
Controlling Your Environment	114	(1)
Dust Mites	114	(3)
Cockroaches	117	(1)
Molds and Mildew	118	(1)
Animals	119	(1)
Pollen	120	(2)
Smoke and Gas	122	(2)
Chemicals	124	(1)
Weather Conditions	124	(1)
Avoidance Is Crucial	125	(2)
Chapter 7 Achieving Optimal Fitness	127	(23)
The Active Way to Better Breathing	128	(3)
Aerobic Benefit	131	(1)
Enhanced Emotional State	132	(2)
Immune System Boost	134	(1)
The Cycle of Inactivity	135	(1)
Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)	136	(2)
Pretreatment Is Necessary	138	(1)
Practice Breathing	138	(2)
Increase Exercise Slowly	140	(1)
Set Specific Goals	141	(1)
Start with a Warm-up	142	(1)
Personalize Your Program	142	(4)
Finish with a Cooldown	146	(1)
Build Body Efficiency	147	(2)
Seek Instruction from a Therapist	149	(1)
Chapter 8 Using a Nutritional Approach	150	(23)
Reading the Food Label	151	(1)
The Food Elimination Diet	152	(2)
The Benefit of Antioxidants	154	(1)
Understanding Antioxidant Food Sources	155	(5)
Plant-Based Phytochemicals	160	(1)
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)	161	(1)
Vitamin Supplements	161	(1)
Other Important Nutrients to Consider	162	(2)
Controlling Your Weight	164	(6)
Watch Salt Intake	170	(1)
Medication, Nutrition, and Digestion	171	(2)
Chapter 9 Controlling Nighttime Problems	173	(22)
The Sleep Robbers	174	(1)
Normal Sleep: Time and Stages	175	(1)
Distinct Stages of Sleep	176	(1)
Sleep and Breathing Patterns	177	(2)
Circadian Rhythms and Diseases	179	(1)
Sleep-Related Asthma and Treatment	179	(3)
Snoring and Treatment	182	(4)
Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea	186	(2)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea	188	(3)
Surgery	191	(1)
Getting Some Zzzzs	192	(3)
Part 3 Mind over Breath	195	(46)
Chapter 10 Stress, Emotion, and Breathing	195	(18)
A Psychological Problem?	196	(1)
Chronic Disease and Depression	197	(2)
The Biology of Stress	199	(1)
Stress and Tuberculosis	200	(1)
Weakened by Stress	201	(2)
Immunologic Balance and Psychological Response	203	(4)
Stress and Allergy	207	(2)
Behavioral Interventions	209	(1)
The Role of Psychotherapy	210	(3)
Chapter 11 Alternative Treatments: Mind-Body Healing	213	(28)
Stress and Airway Constriction	214	(1)
Relaxation Response	215	(1)
Deep Abdominal Breathing	216	(1)
Progressive Muscle Relaxation	217	(1)
Visualization, or Guided Imagery	218	(1)
Music Therapy	219	(1)
Aromatherapy	219	(1)
A Merry Heart	220	(2)
The Faith Factor	222	(1)
Ancient Disciplines for Relaxation	223	(2)
Chiropractic	225	(2)
Massage and Therapeutic Touch	227	(1)
Acupuncture	228	(2)
Biofeedback	230	(1)
Hypnosis	230	(1)
Homeopathic Medicine	231	(1)
Healing Foods and Herbs	232	(5)
Be Discerning and Safe	237	(4)
Part 4 Special Situations	241	(30)
Chapter 12 Ages and Stages	241	(19)
Pregnancy	241	(5)
Young Children	246	(8)
Older Adults	254	(6)
Chapter 13 Serious Diseases	260	(11)
AIDS	260	(2)
Tuberculosis	262	(3)
Interstitial Lung Disease	265	(1)
Lung Cancer	265	(1)
Pulmonary Hypertension	266	(5)
Part 5 Resources	271	(11)
Support Organizations	271	(4)
Internet Connections	275	(2)
Glossary	277	(5)
Index	282