A Clinician's Guide to Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the airways of the lungs. In asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness leads to recurring episodes of breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. There is no precise way to diagnose asthma. It is usually suspected on review of symptoms, whether these occur or worsen with exercise, or on exposure to allergens, viral infections or air pollution. Spirometry can be used to support a diagnosis. By avoiding exposure to air pollution, tobacco smoke, perfume and other chemical irritants, and respiratory infections, asthmatic episodes can be managed. Medications for asthma include fast-acting or long-acting. They are generally prescribed depending on the frequency of the symptoms and the severity of the illness. Bronchodilators, mast cell stabilizer, inhalatory corticosteroids and leukotriene antagonists are recommended for the management of asthma. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on asthma have been included in this book. It brings forth some of the unexplored aspects of this condition. Students, researchers, experts and all associated with pulmonology will benefit alike from this book.