Part 1. Asthma: Facts, Theories, and Controversies

Questions 1–12 update useful information about asthma, including:

• What is asthma?
• How many Americans have asthma?
• Is it true that asthma is on the upswing?
• Why is asthma so common?
• What causes asthma?
• What is the contemporary view of asthma and how does it differ from the traditional?

Part 2. Asthma: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Questions 13–31 describe the symptoms of asthma and methods of diagnosis, such as:

• What are the symptoms of asthma?
• Are there medical conditions that can mimic asthma, or make it more severe? 
• Could my symptoms be due to a condition other than asthma?
  How is the diagnosis of asthma established?
  What diagnostic tests are used to help diagnose asthma? 

Part 3. Asthma: Classification and Variant Forms

Questions 32–40 highlight the NAEPP’s asthma classification and review atypical forms of asthma including:

• What is the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)?
• What is cough variant asthma?
• What is exercise-induced asthma?
• What is the “asthmatic triad”?
• What is occupational asthma?

Part 4. Asthma: Treatment Strategies

Questions 41–56 detail different methods of managing and treating asthma:

• What is an asthma management or action plan?
• Why should I use medicine if I feel fine?
• My asthma is active; how do I know if I should go to the nearest hospital emergency room?
• What are the goals of asthma treatment?
• What medications are helpful for asthma?

Part 5. Asthma: Medications New and Old

Questions 57– 72 focus on medications used in asthma treatment:

• What medications are helpful for asthma?
• What is the difference between a medicine’s generic and brand name?
• Why are so many asthma medicines in inhaler form?
• What is the correct way to use to use my dry powder inhaler (DPI)?
• How can I tell when my inhaler is nearly empty?
• Are steroids dangerous medicines?

Part 6. Asthma: A Healthy Lifestyle

Questions 73-83 emphasize day to day living with asthma, including:

• What’s “new” in asthma treatment?
• My asthma worsens each month near my period. Is that possible?
• Should I take extra vitamins or mineral supplements because I have asthma?
• Is obesity related to asthma?
• Is caffeine good for people with asthma?
• What sports are especially beneficial in asthma?
• Is asthma mostly a psychological disease?

Part 7. Special Topic: Asthma and Pregnancy

Questions 84-88   answer common questions of women in pregnancy, such as:

• Are asthma medications harmful to my unborn child?
• Will pregnancy worsen my asthma?
• Will I be able to breast-feed my baby if I’m taking medication for my asthma?

Part 8. Special Topic: Asthma and Children

Questions 89-100 address specific concerns parents of children with asthma may have, for instance:

• Will my child outgrow his or her asthma?
• How can I make sure that my child’s school staff can deal with his or her asthma? How about summer camp staff?
• Why should by child bother using a peak-flow meter?

Appendix

The Appendix contains a selective listing of resources, publications, and references for  further information on asthma.

Glossary

Index