As the incidence of asthma in the adult population continues to increase, and the age of onset in children to decrease, this condition remains a primary concern not only for specialists in respiratory medicine, but for physicians in many other fields also, when dealing with the asthmatic patient. The range of therapeutic agents now available, and the diversity of targets on which they act, presents the doctor with a variety of options for managing the condition. In this volume leading international authorities explain the mechanisms of action of the drugs currently in use, and their clinical applications, singly and in combination. They also examine the potential of new agents currently under evaluation. "Therapeutic Strategies in Asthma" provides physicians with a comprehensive resource that will help them evaluate for themselves the right approach for each of their patients. It will be of also be of interest to other health professionals involved in the care of patients being treated for this condition.
Now in its Third Edition, this practical guide successfully meets the needs of pulmonary physicians, respiratory therapists, and nurses. Filled with tables, graphs, and illustrative cases, the book helps readers fully understand the clinical utility of pulmonary function tests. This edition includes new information on the forced oscillation technique for measuring respiratory system resistance. Also included is a discussion of measurement of exhaled nitric oxide, which is becoming useful in the study of asthma. Other highlights include nearly fifty new illustrative cases and current American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Task Force guidelines on standardization of pulmonary function testing and interpretation.
The pronounced variability in the incidence and severity of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, makes effective treatment more difficult, and the social and economic costs of these diseases all the greater. Acute exacerbations are multi-factorial in origin, and are known to be linked with a number of factors including allergens, atmospheric pollution and infectious agents. Effective treatment requires a similarly complex approach that addresses each of the component causes. This text brings together current knowledge of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of these episodes, and the latest experimental models by which researchers are seeking to improve our understanding of their incidence and progression. The book concludes with a review of the latest ideas on therapy for exacerbations. The authors evaluate the individual efficacy of current treatments in the light of this knowledge and present new recommendations for formulating effective therapeutic regimes.
