While asthma can't be cured, it can be treated and controlled so that your child can enjoy a healthier, more active life. In this important guide, the experts at the top-ranked children's hospital in the United States clearly explain what asthma is and how parents, caregivers, and young patients can manage it successfully. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Guide to Asthma features the most up-to-date information on the disease and the keys to optimal preventive treatment-controlling environmental conditions that trigger symptoms, making a proactive medical treatment plan, and consistently putting it into action at the first sign of trouble. You'll discover how asthma is diagnosed, what the common triggers are, how to select the best asthma medicines, and how to protect your child in and away from your home to help him or her live a fulfilling childhood that is as symptom-free as possible. This book: * Reveals how to manage acute and emergency episodes of the disease * Explains how to asthma-proof your home * Addresses sports and exercise issues for children with asthma * Discusses the special needs of toddlers and teens * Features a series of vignettes about children with asthma * Includes educational materials and resources, including community support

Autorentext

A pioneer in pediatric medicine education and research, THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA has fostered clinical innovations and scientific breakthroughs that have advanced pediatric health care worldwide. Children's Hospital was ranked as the best pediatric hospital in the nation in 2003 by U.S. News & World Report and Child magazines. All three editors are on staff at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: JULIAN LEWIS ALLEN, M.D., is the Chief of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center and the Robert Girard Morse Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Medicine; TYRA BRYANT-STEPHENS, M.D., is the Medical Director for the Community Asthma Prevention Program; and NICHOLAS A. PAWLOWSKI, M.D., is the Allergy Section Chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology. SHEILA BUFF and MARTHA M. JABLOW are professional writers.

Inhalt

PREFACE.AUTHORSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.INTRODUCTION by C. Everett Koop, M.D., former U.S. Surgeon General.l. When Your Child Has Asthma.2. Diagnosing Asthma.3. The Asthma-Allergy Connection.4. Taking Control of Asthma.5. Asthma Medicines.6. Medicine the Right Way.7. Asthma Day to Day.8. Managing an Asthma Flare.9. Asthma Emergencies.10. Asthma and Your Family.11. Asthma, Sports, and Exercise.12. Infants and Toddlers with Asthma.13. Teenagers with Asthma.14. Asthma Away from Home.15. Asthma in Your Community.16. Asthma and the Health Care System.GLOSSARY OF COMMON ASTHMA-RELATED TERMS.RESOURCES.What Is Asthma?A Review of the Allergy-Asthma Connection.Frequently Asked Questions about Asthma.A Review of Asthma Medicines.Asthma Medicines.A Guide to Using Spacers.A Guide to Using a Peak Flow Meter.The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Asthma Management Plan.Eliminating Asthma Triggers.A School Management Plan.How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School or Day Care Center?Famous People with Asthma.Asthma Myths.Useful Organizations.INDEX.