9780763747930

If you are among the approximately 17 million Americans who suffer from asthma, or have a friend or relative who does, this book offers all the information you need to manage and cope with this condition. The only book to provide the doctor’s and patient’s views, 100 Questions & Answers About Asthma gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, coping strategies—for both patient and family—sources of support, and much more. Written by Dr. Claudia S. Plottel, a world-class asthma specialist, this clearly written, readable book offers the latest medical knowledge and practical tips on what asthma is and what you can do to treat it effectively. Featuring insider advice from an actual patient, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this debilitating disease.

Preface

vi

Dedication

ix

Part 1. Facts, Theories, and Controversies

1

(18)

Questions 1--12 update useful information about asthma, including:

What is asthma?

How many Americans have asthma?

Is it true that asthma is on the upswing?

Why is asthma so common?

What causes asthma?

What is the contemporary view of asthma, and how does it differ from the traditional?

Part 2. Symptoms and Diagnosis

19

(30)

Questions 13--31 describe the symptoms of asthma and methods of diagnosis, such as

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Are there medical conditions that can mimic asthma or make it more severe?

Could my symptoms be due to a condition other than asthma?

How is the diagnosis of asthma established?

What diagnostic tests are used to help diagnose asthma?

Part 3. Classification and Variant Forms

49

(22)

Questions 32--40 highlight the NAEPP's asthma classification and review atypical forms of asthma, including

What is the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)?

What is cough-variant asthma?

What is exercise-induced asthma?

What is the ``asthmatic triad''?

What is occupational asthma?

Part 4. Asthma: Treatment Strategies

71

(28)

Questions 41--56 detail different methods of managing and treating asthma

What are written asthma management and action plans?

Why should I use medicine if I feel fine?

What are the goals of asthma treatment?

My asthma is active; how do I know whether I should go to the nearest hospital emergency room?

How do I know if my physician is a specialist in asthma treatment?

Part 5. Asthma Medications: New and Old

99

(38)

Questions 57--72 focus on medications used in asthma treatment

What medications are helpful for asthma?

What is the difference between a medicine's generic name and brand name?

Why are so many asthma medicines in inhaler form?

What is the correct way to use my dry powder inhaler (DPI)?

How can I tell when my inhaler is nearly empty?

Are steroids dangerous medicines?

Part 6. Asthma: A Healthy Lifestyle

137

(36)

Questions 73--83 emphasize day to day living with asthma, including

What's new in asthma treatment?

My asthma worsens each month near my period. Is that possible?

Should I take extra vitamins or mineral supplements because I have asthma?

Is obesity related to asthma?

Is caffeine good for people with asthma?

What sports are especially beneficial for asthma?

Is asthma mostly a psychological disease?

Part 7. Special Topic: Asthma and Pregnancy

173

(10)

Questions 84--88 answer common questions of women in pregnancy, such as

Are asthma medications harmful to my unborn child?

Will pregnancy worsen my asthma?

Will I be able to breast-feed my baby if I'm taking medicine for my asthma?

Part 8. Special Topic: Asthma and Children

183

(14)

Questions 89--100 address specific concerns parents of children with asthma may have, for instance

Will my child outgrow his or her asthma?

Should I take my young child to a physician who specializes in asthma?

How can I make sure that my child's school staff can deal with his or her asthma? What about summer camp staff?

Why should my child bother using a peak-flow meter?

Appendix The Appendix contains a selective listing of resources, publications, and references for further information about asthma

197

(6)

Glossary

203

(18)

Index

221

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

We're the #1 textbook rental company. Let us show you why.

100 Questions and Answers About Asthma

0763747939

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Rewards Program