The Harvard Medical School Guide To Taking Control Of Asthma

A Comprehensive Prevention and Treatment Plan for You and Your Family

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Asthma affects more than 15 million Americans, including nearly 5 million children -- and the prevalence of asthma is on the rise. Between 1980 and 1999, the number of office visits for asthma increased from 5.9 million to 10.8 million and the number of emergency room visits increased 35%. These staggering statistics indicate that there is a huge population of asthma sufferers anxious for relief.

Based on cutting-edge research and filled with information on the latest treatments, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Taking Control of Asthma: A Comprehensive Prevention and Treatment Plan for You and Your Family (Free Press, Paperback Original, January 8, 2004, $14.00) by Christopher H. Fanta, M.D., Lynda M. Cristiano, M.D., and Kenan E. Haver, M.D., with Nancy Waring, Ph.D., is an essential resource with information on how to create a personalized program for treating, managing, and even preventing asthma flare ups.

Written by leading physicians at the innovative Partners Asthma Center, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Taking Control of Asthma first provides the reader with keys to understanding asthma based on the latest research -- from how asthma restricts the bronchial tubes to how allergies, certain medications, and environmental irritants can trigger asthma. The book is divided into three sections: Part I not only explains how asthma affects the lungs, but also gives readers diagnostic tips and helps them pinpoint their personal asthma triggers.

The second section describes the treatments for asthma and how to adjust treatment to the severity of asthma. Additionally, it presents the pros and cons about the newest therapies such as anti-IgE antibody therapy (Xolair), and combination bronchodilator and inhaled steroids (Advair), and includes information about related allergy treatments and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and stress reductions.

Finally, and most importantly, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Taking Control of Asthma shows readers how to create a personalized asthma action program for themselves and/or their children, including:

• Practice sessions that show you how to handle asthma flare-ups
• The many faces of asthma -- from exercise induced to occupational asthma
• Tips on what you should ask your doctor
• Advice on what to do if your asthma doesn't get better

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Taking Control of Asthma also provides practical, straightforward guidance for women, the elderly, and parents of small children, addressing common concerns, such as whether asthma medication will affect pregnancy, how to distinguish asthma from other respiratory conditions such as emphysema or heart failure, and how to deal with asthma at school, sleepovers and summer camp.

With the authority that only the world's largest and best-known medical school can provide, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Taking Control of Asthma offers guidelines and information designed to help you take care of your asthma now.