Bronchial Asthma, Book

Family physicians interested in asthma would find parts of this book valuable, but on the whole, it is not for family physicians. In the preface the editors declare that they hope the book will be useful to those who treat asthma, and for specialists it might well be. Although chapter authors include physicians from Australia, Japan, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, and Canada, most are from the United States.

New Drug Offers Quick Relief for Asthma Suffers

As an asthma sufferer, you may have wished for a miracle drug that would alleviate your symptoms, yet have no adverse effects. Well, after decades of research, a new class of asthma medications known as “antileukotrienes” have hit the North American market. But what are these new agents? Are they the answer to your prayers?

Do inhaled corticosteroids lead to reduced bone density?

PAST STUDIES have shown that long-term use of oral corticosteroids, taken in pill form, may have adverse effects, including osteoporosis. Little such research has been done on the inhaled form of the drug. THIS STUDY examined the effects of sustained corticosteroid use on the bone mineral density (BMD) of post-menopausal women who were being treated for asthma and other respiratory problems; some took the drug in inhalant form only, while others used both inhaled and oral formulations.

Chronic Asthma Management

Traditionally, asthma has been treated with oral and inhaled bronchodilators, which help control the symptoms of asthma but do nothing for the inflammation. Now, the focus is on prevention, which involves treating the underlying inflammation as well as the bronchoconstriction, and constantly monitoring breathing efficacy. It is essential that asthmatic patients understand how to manage drug therapy and side effects, monitor breathing efficiency, and deal with environmental factors that contribute to bronchoconstriction (irritants, allergens, exercise, cold air inhalation, and infection).

Association between air pollution and acute childhood wheezy episodes

There is considerable speculation about the reasons for the dramatically increased incidence and prevalence of childhood asthma in the UK – and in many other countries – over the past 20 years. Because seasonal fluctuations seem to have special influence, environmental factors are likely suspects.