Adult Asthma

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.

This comprehensive book presents an evidence-based approach to treating asthma in adults aged 65 and older, a vulnerable subset of patients who are more likely to experience higher morbidity and mortality rates, and often enduring higher financial burdens related to treatment. Treatment of Asthma in Older Adults: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Guide is a unique resource, providing an up-to-date review of medication strategies, how asthma phenotypes and treatment decisions interact, and how controlling asthma triggers impacts long-term asthma outcomes in older patients. Additionally, the book incorporates recent advances in alternative therapies that improve the patient’s quality of life. Opening discussions address the unique challenges of the differential diagnosis of asthma in older adults, as well as an examination of the significant medical comorbidities that co-exist with asthma. Subsequent chapters provide strategies to optimizing asthma management in this specific population, including information on case management that will assist allied health providers. Finally, the book closes with an analysis of several novel targets for therapy to treat severe asthma including biologics, macrolides and bronchial thermoplasty. Written by experts in the field, Treatment of Asthma in Older Adults: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Guide is an indispensable resource for allergists, pulmonologists, family physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and all other allied clinicians.

Many common health problems can be treated with simple remedies you can do at home. Even if the steps you take don't cure the problem, they can relieve symptoms and allow you to go about your daily life, or at least help you until you're able to see a doctor. Some remedies, such as changing your diet to deal with heartburn or adapting your home environment to cope with chronic pain, may seem like common sense. You may have questions about when to apply heat or cold to injuries, what helps relieve the itch of an insect bite, or whether certain herbs, vitamins or minerals are really effective against the common cold or insomnia. You'll find these answers and more in Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. In situations involving your health or the health of your family, the same questions typically arise: What actions can I take that are immediate, safe and effective? When should I contact my doctor? What symptoms signal an emergency? Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies clearly defines these questions with regard to your health concerns and guides you to choose the appropriate and most effective response.

This invaluable clinical resource furnishes a comprehensive review of asthma in the older patient-covering pathology, physiology, immunology, diagnostic problems, and management. Written by a team of renowned authorities, Asthma in the Elderly addresses the epidemiology and classification of asthma in the older population details the pharmacological management of chronic asthma as well as acute exacerbation management summarizes the toxicity of asthma drugs and the potential pitfalls of pharmacological management describes the pathological features of airway obstructive disease in older patients presents the factors that make asthma management more complex and patient education more difficult and much more! Containing over 1100 bibliographic citations for more in-depth exploration of particular topics, Asthma in the Elderly is a practical guide for pulmonologists and pulmonary disease specialists; clinical allergists; geriatricians; internists; chest, intensive care, primary care, and family practice physicians; respiratory therapists; physiologists; pathologists; cell and molecular biologists; and medical school students in these disciplines.

Evidence-based Clinical Chinese Medicine: Adult Asthma provides a "whole evidence" analysis of the Chinese medicine management of adult asthma. Evidence from the classical Chinese medicine literature, contemporary clinical literature, the outcomes of clinical trials and experimental studies are reviewed, analysed and synthesised. The data from all these sources are condensed to provide evidence-based statements which will inform clinical practice and guide future research. This book has been designed to be an easy reference at the point of care. During a patient consultation, Chinese medicine practitioners can refer to this book for guidance on which Chinese herbal medicine formulas, specific herbs, or acupuncture points, can best treat their patient, and be confident there is evidence which supports its use. Currently, Chinese medicine practitioners who develop a special interest in a particular health condition such as adult asthma have to consult a variety of sources to further their knowledge. Typically, they use the contemporary clinical literature to understand the theory, aetiology, pathogenesis and obtain expert opinions on the Chinese medicine management of adult asthma. They search the electronic literature to identify systematic reviews of clinical trials, if any exist, to obtain assessments of the current state of the clinical evidence for particular interventions. If they have the skills and resources, they may search the classical Chinese medicine literature for an historical perspective on treatments that have stood the test of time. This book provides all of this information for practitioners in one handy, easy to use reference. This allows practitioners to focus on their job of providing high quality health care, with the knowledge it is based on the best available evidence. Contents: Introduction to Asthma Asthma in Chinese Medicine Classical Chinese Medicine Literature Methods for Evaluating Clinical Evidence Clinical Evidence for Chinese Herbal Medicine Pharmacological Actions of the Frequently Used Herbs Clinical Evidence for Acupuncture and Related Therapies Clinical Evidence for Other Chinese Medicine Therapies Clinical Evidence for Combination Therapies Summary and Conclusions Readership: Students and practitioners in alternative/Chinese medicine, respiratory/pulmonary medicine. Keywords: Chinese Medicine;Chinese Herbal Medicine;Acupuncture;Urticaria;DermatologyReview:0

Asthma in adults rarely gains the attention it deserves. Roughly one in 11 children and one in 12 adults have asthma, which can emerge for the first time in people in their 70s and 80s. Yet approximately 97% deaths from asthma occur among adults. Tragically, Asthma UK suggests that improved care could avoid 75% of hospital admissions for asthma and up to 90% of deaths from the disease. This book looks at the specific issues, factors and interventions that can alleviate and prevent asthma in adults. Asthma in adults presents different challenges to that in children. Older people may perceive symptoms differently, or blame them on advancing age. Or they may face problems with concurrent medicines, or with diseases that can complicate management, such as emphysema, heart failure, bronchitis and COPD. Topics include: * Why asthma in adults is becoming more common * What is asthma? And why is it different for adults? The signs and symptoms * What causes asthma? Allergy, occupation and beyond * Diagnosing asthma, and the diseases that can complicate diagnosis * Drug treatments * Self-help including how to address risks at work.Asthma in adults rarely gains the attention it deserves. Roughly one in 11 children and one in 12 adults have asthma, which can emerge for the first time in people in their 70s and 80s. Yet approximately 97% deaths from asthma occur among adults. Tragically, Asthma UK suggests that improved care could avoid 75% of hospital admissions for asthma and up to 90% of deaths from the disease. This book looks at the specific issues, factors and interventions that can alleviate and prevent asthma in adults.