Asthma

A collaborative effort by some of the leading health professionals in asthma care, "Asthma" provides caregivers with a comprehensive overview of the disease and of ways to improve the lives of people suffering from asthma through both treatment and education. Part 1 includes information about asthma and its treament based on recent Canadian and international guidelines. It covers a variety of topics, including asthma physiopathology, epidemiology, inhalation therapy, paediatric and occupational asthma, associated pathologies and emergency care. Part 2 deals with the principles and practical aspects of asthma education, with particular attention to day-to-day interventions. There are also chapters on the psychological aspects of asthma, the Quebec Asthma Education Network, and recent studies in asthma education. Educational materials, a list of resources for educators and self-evaluation questionnaires are included, as well as reports from people with asthma, parents of asthmatic children, and caregivers, providing health care professionals with insights into patients' perspectives and concerns.
"Asthma" makes a useful contribution to understanding new developments in the management of one of the most common respiratory diseases.