This fourth edition of Gershwin & Albertson's classic Bronchial Asthma: Principles of Diagnosis and Treatment has been broadly updated and expanded to include, from a variety of disciplines, the latest diagnostic techniques and developments in the clinical assessment and treatment of asthma. In addition to its comprehensive coverage and readable presentation, this greatly expanded edition describes the best practical approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in both adults and children; reviews the effects of pregnancy, exercise, and drug abuse on asthma; details asthma pathophysiology; and discusses the medical, legal, and social aspects of treating the asthma patient. Cutting-edge and highly practical, this fourth edition of Bronchial Asthma: Principles of Diagnosis and Treatment is an indispensable tool for all primary care providers, allergists, and pulmonologists treating patients with asthma today.

Klappentext

"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.

Inhalt

Part I. Definitions and Host Responses to Bronchospasm Pathogenesis of Asthma: Genetics and Epidemiology Russell J. Hopp and Robert G. Townley Pathogenesis of Asthma: Mediators and Mechanisms Maurice E. Hamilton and M. Eric Gershwin Part II. Patient Management Clinical and Allergic Evaluation of the Patient with Bronchial Asthma Stephen M. Nagy The Role of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory in Patients with Bronchial Asthma Richard E. Kanner and Theodore G. Liou The Differential Diagnosis of Asthma in Childhood Gary A. Incaudo Differential Diagnosis of Asthma in Adults: Asthma, Occult Asthma, and Pseudoasthma Glen A. Lillington and John L. Faul Treatment of Asthma in Children Christopher Chang Treatment of Asthma in Adults Samuel Louie, Ken Y. Yoneda, and Nicholas J. Kenyon Pregnancy, Lactation, and Asthma Arif M. Seyal Alternative Therapies in Asthma Irwin Ziment Part III. Special Clinical Problems Asthma, Infection, and the Environment Laurel J. Gershwin Exercise Induced Asthma: Sports and Athletes Rahmat Afrasiabi Foods, Additives, and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Asthma Suzanne S. Teuber Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Harold S. Novey Occupational Asthma Marc B. Schenker and Stanley Naguwa Anesthesia for Asthmatic Patients Leland H. Hanowell and Dennis L. Fung Recreational Drug Abuse and Asthma Nicholas J. Kenyon and Timothy E. Albertson Part IV. Living with Asthma Self-Management Programs for the Patient with Asthma: Empowering the Patient to Make Decisions that will Improve Outcomes Joann Blessing-Moore Psychological Considerations in Asthma: Implications for Treatment Ed Klingelhofer Asthma and theLaw Charles Bond