Severe asthma is a form of asthma that responds poorly to currently available medication, and its patients represent those with greatest unmet needs. In the last 10 years, substantial progress has been made in terms of understanding some of the mechanisms that drive severe asthma; there have also been concomitant advances in the recognition of specific molecular phenotypes. This ERS Monograph covers all aspects of severe asthma – epidemiology, diagnosis, mechanisms, treatment and management – but has a particular focus on recent understanding of mechanistic heterogeneity based on an analytic approach using various ‘omics platforms applied to clinically well-defined asthma cohorts. How these advances have led to improved management targets is also emphasised. This book brings together the clinical and scientific expertise of those from around the world who are collaborating to solve the problem of severe asthma.
A fully updated edition of a widely respected classic on the diagnosis and management of asthma in a variety of patient subpopulations. Though this fifth edition continues to emphasize the definition, medications, and use of asthma treatment plans, it also focuses on the special needs patient, including the pediatric patient, the pregnant patient, and the patient undergoing surgery, as well as on the perennial issues of exercise and asthma, pulmonary aspergillosis, occupation, recreational drug use, and psychological/social considerations. Highlights for the fifth edition include a liberal use of tables and charts to make the book more practical and user-friendly, updates on the many new pharmaceuticals used to treat asthma, and first-time sections on food sensitivity and the diagnosis of asthma.
Understand and Control Your Asthma is designed to help asthmatics take control of their health through better understanding of the disease and its treatment and by applying self-management skills to avoid attacks.
"They asked if the sneezles came after the wheezles, or if the first sneezle came first. " It has been nearly 25 years since the first edition of this textbook was published. During that time, we have witnessed an enormous improvement in the understanding of the basic pathophysiology of asthma and, more importantly, better treatment options. However, and with regret, the incidence and prevalence of asthma during this 25 year period increased significantly. Recent studies from the NIH highlight this point and illustrate that despite improved care and diagnosis, mortality continues to rise. In fact, asthma remains the most common chronic childhood illness and is among the most common chronic adult diseases. Despite improved medications, increased awareness, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease, mortality and morbidity continue to rise. Both international and national consensus positions have been published that offer guidance on treatment approaches. The importance of the primary care physician and provider cannot be overestimated in the appropriate diagnosis and management of this disease. The management options in asthma are changing rapidly with the advent of new drugs and approaches. The recent introduction of the leukotriene inhibitors has added an entirely new class of anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of asthma. The potential of even newer approaches, including cellular modulation of the asthma patient with specific anti-IgE antibodies, opens up exciting possible treatments.
Asthma is one of the most important diseases affecting our society. It is an extremely common condition that reduces quality of life, and acute exacerbations can be life-threatening. It affects a disproportionate number of children. With the overwhelming volume of research being carried out in this field specialists need a method of keeping up-to-date with current opinion. As with the other 'Challenges' books, 'Challenges in Asthma' is aimed at hospital specialists and therefore assumes a certain level of knowledge about the disease. It builds on this by discussing only areas of controversy and uncertainty in both the basic understanding of asthma and its management. An international author list will provide stimulating debate with, and ultimately draw some conclusions from, existing data which will benefit readers in their day-to-day practice.
**Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) McGuffey Longevity Award Winner, 2024** Learn the principles and skills you'll need as a respiratory therapist! Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Care, 12th Edition provides a solid foundation in respiratory care and covers the latest advances in this ever-changing field. Known as "the bible for respiratory care," this text makes it easy to understand the role of the respiratory therapist, the scientific basis for treatment, and clinical applications. Comprehensive chapters correlate to the 2020 NBRC Exam matrices, preparing you for clinical and exam success. Written by noted educators Robert Kacmarek, James Stoller, and Albert Heuer, this edition includes new chapters on heart failure as well as ethics and end-of-life care, plus the latest AARC practice guidelines. - Updated content reflects the newest advances in respiratory care, preparing you to succeed in today's health care environment. - UNIQUE! Mini-Clinis provide case scenarios challenging you to use critical thinking in solving problems encountered during actual patient care. - Decision trees developed by hospitals highlight the use of therapist-driven protocols to assess a patient, initiate care, and evaluate outcomes. - Rules of Thumb highlight rules, formulas, and key points that are important to clinical practice. - Learning objectives align with the summary checklists, highlighting key content at the beginning and at the end of each chapter, and parallel the three areas tested on the 2020 NBRC Exam matrices. - Learning resources on the Evolve companion website include an NBRC correlation guide, image collection, lecture notes, Body Spectrum electronic anatomy coloring book, and an English/Spanish glossary. - Student workbook provides a practical study guide reflecting this edition of the text, offering numerous case studies, experiments, and hands-on activities. Available separately. - Full-color design calls attention to the text's special features and promotes learning. - Glossary includes key terms and definitions needed for learning concepts. - NEW Heart Failure chapter covers the disease that is the most frequent cause of unscheduled hospital admissions. - NEW Ethics and End-of-Life Care chapter explains related issues and how to help patients and their families. - NEW! Improved readability makes the text easier to read and concepts easier to understand. - NEW! Updated practice guidelines from the AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care) are included within the relevant chapters. - NEW! Updated chapters include topics such as arterial lines, stroke, ACLS, PALS, hemodynamics, polysomnography, waveform interpretation, and laryngectomy. - NEW! Streamlined format eliminates redundancy and complex verbiage.
