Asthma is a familiar and growing disease today, but its story goes back to the ancient world, as we know from accounts in ancient texts from China, India, Greece and Rome. It was treated with acupuncture and Ayurveda. As Western medicine developed, the nature of asthma became clearer, and its basis in the lungs recognized. But cultural perceptions of the disease shifted too. By the 18th century, with recognition that the disease was centred on the lungs, the idea of environmental triggers such as dust and smoke first became recognized. And with that, asthma also became identified as a disease of artisans. Things changed again in the 19th century, as medical understanding grew with the advent of the stethoscope and new techniques such as percussion of the chest. New treatments included the promotion of mountain spas, for asthma now rose in social status, and became associated with the upper classes and the literati. For Marcel Proust and Charles Dickens, asthma shaped their lives and their creativity. From early in the 20th century, the idea of asthma as an allergic disease became established, and the search for environmental causes was on. Hay fever was closely linked, and pharmaceutical companies began to make antihistamines, anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators. Asthma sufferers were warned to beware of pets, simplify their furnishings, and take holidays by the sea far from pollens. But a newly emerging concept was that attacks could be triggered by stress and psychological factors. With musicians such as Schoenberg and Berg as celebrity sufferers, the idea of asthma as an élite disease persisted. In recent years, attitudes have changed again, as incidences of asthma grew dramatically across the world, especially among the young. The disease has now become closely linked to modern lifestyles and the many products of civilization. The battle against house-dust mites began, and whole new lines of anti-allergenic products and foods were launched - asthma has proved highly lucrative over the years. But the disease has remained fashionable, even becoming the theme of several pop songs. Asthma: the biography is part of the Oxford series, Biographies of Diseases, edited by William and Helen Bynum. In each individual volume an expert historian of medicine tells the story of a particular disease or condition throughout history - not only in terms of growing medical understanding of its nature and cure, but also shifting social and cultural attitudes, and changes in the meaning of the name of the disease itself.

As the series title implies each Clinician's Desk Reference is a practical resource and a daily aid for physicians in the hospital setting and in primary care.Asthma is one of the most important chronic disorders in the developed world. Evidence from around the world shows the prevalence of asthma has increased considerably since 1975, and now affe

The field of asthma has expanded in the last decade with specific drugs targeting the disease mechanisms. This book is an updated treatise covering diagnoses, phenotypes and endotypes of asthma along with its management. It includes diagnostic work-up which is required prior to medical assistance and basic immunology assessment, illustrating the types, severity, number of exacerbations due to disease activity, allergy or infections. As the treatment selection has changed from one size fits all to precision-based medicine, it aims to refine asthma management with right medication usage, neither overuse nor underuse, and initiation of the new hospital administered biologic drugs. Key Features • Covers both respiratory physiology and airway inflammation • Highlights the use of biologic drugs • Discusses precision-based medicine • Explores the comorbidities through clinical cases

Cholera is a dangerous and frightening disease that can kill within hours. Chris Hamlin not only tells how the bacterial cause of cholera was discovered, but describes the experience of different countries, some of which continue to struggle with the disease today. Cholera is part of the Oxford series, Biographies of Diseases.

Using illustrative case examples, this book thoroughly reviews similarities and differences between asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the overlap syndrome. It is important to highlight the distinctions because these commonly encountered conditions in respiratory and primary care share many similarities but have important differences often mistaken for each other. This can have serious implications for treatment, particularly as new treatments are targeted at specific phenotypes of the diseases. This practical guide shows how to distinguish between the diseases on a pathological and clinical basis so that appropriate management and treatment may be pursued.

Since about 1980, asthma prevalence and asthma-related hospitalizations and deaths have increased substantially, especially among children. Of particular concern is the high mortality rate among African Americans with asthma. Recent studies have suggested that indoor exposuresâ€"to dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and other biological and chemical pollutantsâ€"may influence the disease course of asthma. To ensure an appropriate response, public health and education officials have sought a science-based assessment of asthma and its relationship to indoor air exposures. Clearing the Air meets this need. This book examines how indoor pollutants contribute to asthmaâ€"its causation, prevalence, triggering, and severity. The committee discusses asthma among the general population and in sensitive subpopulations including children, low-income individuals, and urban residents. Based on the most current findings, the book also evaluates the scientific basis for mitigating the effects of indoor air pollutants implicated in asthma. The committee identifies priorities for public health policy, public education outreach, preventive intervention, and further research.

Ages 3 to 5 years. The third instalment of a unique educational series dedicated to helping children to overcome their fear of illness. Features: The only book of its kind, designed to help 3 to 5-year-old children cope with asthma. An indispensable tool for parents, teachers and health professionals, this book explains asthma in terms that any kid (or adult) can understand. The Great Katie Kate gives children a consistent positive message about their condition, and proceeds from the sale of the book will go directly to charities dedicated to helping families; Serious medical information combined with a whimsical story line, this book takes young readers on an educational adventure led by a child-sized super hero. Join the Great Katie Kate as she battles the Worry Wombat and teaches a group of youngsters how to deal with asthma. Adults as well as children will find it comforting to rely on this playful and accurate teaching tool to discuss a sensitive issue of critical importance; Written by a nationally-known physician who specialises in treating women and children. Dr DeLand is recognised leader who has developed breakthrough treatment technologies and has helped hundreds of children deal with serious medical conditions; In her practice and her books, DeLand strives for one goal Chr(45) peace of mind for patients and their families.

Enormous progress in asthma research has been made in the past 50 years, including a greater understanding of its complex pathogenesis and new and more effective therapies. Consequently, the scientific literature has grown vast and can be difficult to integrate. With contributions from a distinguished panel of world-renowned authors, Clinical Asthma: Theory and Practice presents a comprehensive study of both the common and the more challenging problems faced by all health care personnel who treat patients with asthma. The book is divided into seven sections, starting with the basics of asthma and ending with a discussion on the approach to asthma worldwide and in the primary care setting. Reflecting a strong clinical emphasis, each chapter begins with a patient case study supported by essential background information on the basic science and clinical decision-making process. This is followed by a discussion of clinical evaluation and management. The multidisciplinary coverage explores a range of topics including genetics, inflammation, immunology, and the identification of different endotypes. Using a bench-to-bedside approach, the book links basic science to the clinical management of asthma and explores options for improvement. The carefully selected authorship from experts worldwide presents a truly global outlook.

Hi! I'm Ziggy! I am 1 of 7 MILLION, super resilient, unbelievably awesome kids in the world that have asthma. Do you have it, too? It is important to listen to our bodies and know the signs of asthma and what to do, so we stay safe. Buckle up! You might even be able to help someone with asthma one day, too.

Allergy is the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. More than fifty million Americans suffer from allergies, and they spend an estimated $18 billion coping with them. Yet despite advances in biomedicine and enormous investment in research over the past fifty years, the burden of allergic disease continues to grow. Why have we failed to reverse this trend? Breathing Space offers an intimate portrait of how allergic disease has shaped American culture, landscape, and life. Drawing on environmental, medical, and cultural history and the life stories of people, plants, and insects, Mitman traces how America’s changing environment from the late 1800s to the present day has led to the epidemic growth of allergic disease. We have seen a never-ending stream of solutions to combat allergies, from hay fever resorts, herbicides, and air-conditioned homes to numerous potions and pills. But, as Mitman shows, despite the quest for a magic bullet, none of the attempted solutions has succeeded. Until we address how our changing environment—physical, biological, social, and economic—has helped to create America’s allergic landscape, that hoped-for success will continue to elude us.