A fully updated edition of a widely respected classic on the diagnosis and management of asthma in a variety of patient subpopulations. Though this fifth edition continues to emphasize the definition, medications, and use of asthma treatment plans, it also focuses on the special needs patient, including the pediatric patient, the pregnant patient, and the patient undergoing surgery, as well as on the perennial issues of exercise and asthma, pulmonary aspergillosis, occupation, recreational drug use, and psychological/social considerations. Highlights for the fifth edition include a liberal use of tables and charts to make the book more practical and user-friendly, updates on the many new pharmaceuticals used to treat asthma, and first-time sections on food sensitivity and the diagnosis of asthma.

"They asked if the sneezles came after the wheezles, or if the first sneezle came first. " It has been nearly 25 years since the first edition of this textbook was published. During that time, we have witnessed an enormous improvement in the understanding of the basic pathophysiology of asthma and, more importantly, better treatment options. However, and with regret, the incidence and prevalence of asthma during this 25 year period increased significantly. Recent studies from the NIH highlight this point and illustrate that despite improved care and diagnosis, mortality continues to rise. In fact, asthma remains the most common chronic childhood illness and is among the most common chronic adult diseases. Despite improved medications, increased awareness, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease, mortality and morbidity continue to rise. Both international and national consensus positions have been published that offer guidance on treatment approaches. The importance of the primary care physician and provider cannot be overestimated in the appropriate diagnosis and management of this disease. The management options in asthma are changing rapidly with the advent of new drugs and approaches. The recent introduction of the leukotriene inhibitors has added an entirely new class of anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of asthma. The potential of even newer approaches, including cellular modulation of the asthma patient with specific anti-IgE antibodies, opens up exciting possible treatments.

This second edition has been fully revised to provide trainees and clinicians with the most recent information on childhood asthma. Beginning with symptoms, diagnosis, pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy, the following sections examine the management of different aspects of childhood asthma, including acute and persistant bronchial asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinosinusitis, and more. The final chapters examine education of both patients and parents, and prognosis. Key learning points are highlighted for each chapter and more than seventy images and illustrations enhance learning. Key points New edition bringing trainees and clinicians up to date with recent advances in management of childhood bronchial asthma Covers treatments for different aspects of childhood asthma Includes key learning point summaries for each chapter and more than seventy images and illustrations Previous edition published in 2002

The Pocket Book is for use by doctors nurses and other health workers who are responsible for the care of young children at the first level referral hospitals. This second edition is based on evidence from several WHO updated and published clinical guidelines. It is for use in both inpatient and outpatient care in small hospitals with basic laboratory facilities and essential medicines. In some settings these guidelines can be used in any facilities where sick children are admitted for inpatient care. The Pocket Book is one of a series of documents and tools that support the Integrated Managem.

Severe asthma is a form of asthma that responds poorly to currently available medication, and its patients represent those with greatest unmet needs. In the last 10 years, substantial progress has been made in terms of understanding some of the mechanisms that drive severe asthma; there have also been concomitant advances in the recognition of specific molecular phenotypes. This ERS Monograph covers all aspects of severe asthma – epidemiology, diagnosis, mechanisms, treatment and management – but has a particular focus on recent understanding of mechanistic heterogeneity based on an analytic approach using various ‘omics platforms applied to clinically well-defined asthma cohorts. How these advances have led to improved management targets is also emphasised. This book brings together the clinical and scientific expertise of those from around the world who are collaborating to solve the problem of severe asthma.

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations

This is the most comprehensive, authoritative guide to asthma, covering everything from the causes of attacks to the best treatment program, and featuring practical, straightforward advice on handling special cases.

This unique new text delivers practical guidelines on diagnosing and treating patients with asthma. Drs. Castro and Kraft are extensively involved in asthma research and improved patient care, and their comprehensive coverage of key challenges in diagnosing and treating asthma makes this a must have resource. The organized full-color format ensures readability, and helps you find information quickly and easily. Offers up-to-date protocols and management guidelines to help you provide the best care for your patients. Presents chapters on special situations and special populations to help you overcome clinical challenges such as the difficult-to-control or pregnant asthma patient. Provides specialized sections on asthma education to give guidance on leading your patients to better self management by improving their adherence to treatment guidelines. Highlights material found on the Asthma Educator Certification exam in special “education boxes. Offers expert guidance on translating the new NIH EPR-3 Asthma Guidelines to hands-on patient care. Organized in a consistent chapter format that provides concise, logical coverage of essential information for easy reference. Contains special boxes that highlight clinical pearls, controversial issues, and patient education information. Uses a full-color format that makes it easy to find information quickly.

Asthma is a chronic airway disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide with an expected increase of an additional 100 million by 2025. Past decade has observed a notable increase in asthma prevalence on both national and global levels with highest rates observed in western countries (about 30%). Over the past 40 years, a drastic increase in global prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and economic burden have been observed due to asthma especially in children. The rising numbers of hospital admissions for asthma, especially young children, reflect an increase in severe asthma, poverty and lack of proper disease management. Worldwide, approximately 180,000 deaths annually are caused due to this condition. The financial burden on a single asthma patient per year in different western countries ranges from US$300–1,300. Asthma is an intricate respiratory disorder with differences in its severity, natural history and hence treatment response. These differences in intensities of various presentations such as bronchial hyper-responsiveness, airway inflammation, mucus production, airflow obstruction make asthma a heterogeneous disease. The mainstay of current therapies for asthma includes inhaled corticosteroids, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, leukotriene modifiers and β2-adrenoceptor agonists. Some of the currently available drugs are efficient in one or more aspects. However the associated side effects or heterogeneity of the disease limit their usefulness and efficacy, thereby putting a demand on development of new drugs and therapies. On the other hand, asthma has also been treated/managed via herbal medications. These approaches have been described in Unani, Ayurvedic or Chinese system of medicine since antiquity. In fact, several anti-asthmatic drugs were developed from herbs commonly utilized in the non-Western system of medicine. This book focuses on the pathophysiology of asthma, its medication (both herbal and modern), limitations and their future prospects.