Explains how the Buteyko Breathing Method can help readers retrain their breathing habits to free themselves from asthma symptoms, attacks, and medication.

Pediatrician Plaut, a specialist in asthma treatment (Children with Asthma: A Guide for Parents, not reviewed, etc.), makes no bones about it: A well-informed patient, working with a knowledgeable health-care practitioner, can control his or her disease so completely that 'you will have symptoms no more than two days per week, will rarely miss school or work because of asthma, will rarely require an urgent visit to the doctor or emergency room, and will be able to exercise as long and as hard as anyone else.' Plaut goes on to provide readers-even those suffering frequent severe attacks of the disease-with the tools and an action plan for reaching these goals. He explains the anatomy and physiology of the disease; what asthma medications are available and how to use them (the proper technique when inhaling a medication is vital); and how to monitor and interpret peak flow (a measure of lung function and the most important early indicator of trouble). Plaut then discusses treatment plans in depth and includes clear, well-designed forms for tracking the disease and its treatment, plus a short 'asthma diary' for patients and their physicians. First-rate help, indispensable for those with asthma. ($30,000 ad/promo) ; 336 pg.-

After a young boy has trouble breathing during soccer practice, he is taken to his doctor who says that he has asthma, but he learns that with proper treatment and medical supervision, his asthma can be kept under control.

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.

An estimated 15 million Indians suffer from asthma. the ailment remains mostly a life-long problem that cannot be cured completely. However, the attacks can be prevented or controlled. For this, one must understand the causes, treatment options, lifestyle changes etc. Doctors are reluctant to use steroids, fearing their side- effects. Inhalation therapy is also not used optimally. With over 20 years experience in treating asthma, the doctor couple cover all these aspects in their book. Some patients are reluctant to use allopathy. Therefore, information on alternative therapies (homeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy and yoga) has also been included. the book will help patients manage mild episodes at home and decide when to visit the doctor. By following instructions, patients can also prevent the onset of acute attacks. With this book, primary level doctors can diagnose and treat patients easily and also educate them on preventing attacks.