Asthma is a chronic airway disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide with an expected increase of an additional 100 million by 2025. Past decade has observed a notable increase in asthma prevalence on both national and global levels with highest rates observed in western countries (about 30%). Over the past 40 years, a drastic increase in global prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and economic burden have been observed due to asthma especially in children. The rising numbers of hospital admissions for asthma, especially young children, reflect an increase in severe asthma, poverty and lack of proper disease management. Worldwide, approximately 180,000 deaths annually are caused due to this condition. The financial burden on a single asthma patient per year in different western countries ranges from US$300–1,300. Asthma is an intricate respiratory disorder with differences in its severity, natural history and hence treatment response. These differences in intensities of various presentations such as bronchial hyper-responsiveness, airway inflammation, mucus production, airflow obstruction make asthma a heterogeneous disease. The mainstay of current therapies for asthma includes inhaled corticosteroids, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, leukotriene modifiers and β2-adrenoceptor agonists. Some of the currently available drugs are efficient in one or more aspects. However the associated side effects or heterogeneity of the disease limit their usefulness and efficacy, thereby putting a demand on development of new drugs and therapies. On the other hand, asthma has also been treated/managed via herbal medications. These approaches have been described in Unani, Ayurvedic or Chinese system of medicine since antiquity. In fact, several anti-asthmatic drugs were developed from herbs commonly utilized in the non-Western system of medicine. This book focuses on the pathophysiology of asthma, its medication (both herbal and modern), limitations and their future prospects.

Enhance patient care with the help of aromatherapy! Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare is the first and only peer-reviewed clinical aromatherapy book in the world and features a foreword by Dr. Oz. Each chapter is written by a PhD nurse with post-doctoral training in research and then peer reviewed by named experts in their field. This clinical text is the must-have resource for learning how to effectively incorporate aromatherapy into clinical practice. This new third edition takes a holistic approach as it examines key facts and topical issues in aromatherapy practice and applies them within a variety of contexts and conditions. This edition also features updated information on aromatherapy treatments, aromatherapy organizations, essential oil providers, and more to ensure you are fully equipped to provide patients with the best complementary therapy available. Expert peer-reviewed information spans the entire book. All chapters have been written by a PhD nurse with post-doctoral training in research and then peer reviewed by named experts in their field. Introduction to the principles and practice of aromatherapy covers contraindications, toxicity, safe applications, and more. Descriptions of real-world applications illustrate how aromatherapy works in various clinical specialties. Coverage of aromatherapy in psychiatric nursing provides important information on depression, psychosis, bipolar, compulsive addictive, addiction and withdrawal. In-depth clinical section deals with the management of common problems, such as infection and pain, that may frequently be encountered on the job. Examples of specific oils in specific treatments helps readers directly apply book content to everyday practice. Evidence-based content draws from thousands of references. NEW! First and only totally peer-reviewed, evidence-based, clinical aromatherapy book in the world. NEW Chapter on integrative Healthcare documenting how clinical aromatherapy has been integrated into hospitals and healthcare in USA, UK and elsewhere. NEW Chapter on the M Technique: the highly successful method of gentle structured touch pioneered by Jane Buckle that is used in hospitals worldwide. All chapters updated with substantial additional references and tables.

The global popularity of herbal supplements and the promise they hold in treating various disease states has caused an unprecedented interest in understanding the molecular basis of the biological activity of traditional remedies. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects focuses on presenting current scientific evidence of biomolecular ef

"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.

This book summarizes experimentally-supported research on the therapeutic efficacy of plant extracts and their constituents on a range of respiratory diseases including infections. It discusses the pharmacological, cellular and molecular factors involved in the pathogenies of respiratory diseases and their modulation by plant-derived compounds. Additionally, it underlines the growing relevance of medicinal plant-based advanced drug delivery systems for treating lung diseases providing maximal therapeutic efficacy with better patient compliance. Overall, this comprehensive book is a blend of translational, biological, chemical and drug delivery aspects of medicinal plants employed in targeting respiratory diseases and attracts a range of audiences including physiochemist, translational and clinical researchers working in the field of respiratory diseases.

Arguably the oldest form of health care, Ayurveda is often referred to as the "Mother of All Healing." Although there has been considerable scientific research done in this area during the last 50 years, the results of that research have not been adequately disseminated. Meeting the need for an authoritative, evidence-based reference, Scientific Basis for Ayurvedic Therapies is the first book to analyze and synthesize current research supporting Ayurvedic medicine. This book reviews the latest scientific information, evaluates the research data, and presents it in an easy to use format. The editor has carefully selected topics based on the availability of scientific studies and the prevalence of a disease. With contributions from experts in their respective fields, topics include Ayurvedic disease management, panchkarma, Ayurvedic bhasmas, the current status of Ayurveda in India, clinical research design, and evaluation of typical clinical trials of certain diseases, to name just a few. While there are many books devoted to Ayurveda, very few have any in-depth basis in scientific studies. This book provides a critical evaluation of literature, clinical trials, and biochemical and pharmacological studies on major Ayurvedic therapies that demonstrates how they are supported by scientific data. Providing a natural bridge from Ayurveda to Western medicine, Scientific Basis for Ayurvedic Therapies facilitates the integration of these therapies by health care providers.