Table of Contents

Introduction

How Can You Get Top-Notch Medical Care in Treating Your Asthma?

Be Your Own Advocate When It Comes To Your Medical Care

Part One - Asthma: A General Definition

1. What Is Bronchial Asthma?

    Remodeling of the Airway

2. Types of Bronchial Asthma

    Other Medical Problems That Cause Symptoms Similar to Asthma

    How is Asthma Diagnosed?

    How is the Doctor Sure You Have Asthma if Your Breathing Test is Normal?

    Tests the Doctor Often Orders to Evaluate Asthma and the Factors Contributing to Asthma

    Poorly Controlled Asthma May Be the Result of Other Underlying Medical Problems

    Classification of Asthma

    When to Consult an Asthma Specialist

    Why See an Asthma Specialist?

Part Two - Asthma Management

1. Introduction to the Management of Asthma

2. The Office Visit

3. Environmental Avoidance of Allergens and Irritants

4. Pharmacological Treatment (Medications)

    Asthma Medications and Side Effects    

    Controller vs. Reliever Medication: A Basic Concept in Asthma Treatment

    Methylxanthines (Theophyllines)

    Sympathomimetic Stimulant Medications

        Synthetic Epinephrine Medications

            Epinephrine for Injection (Self Administration)

        Beta-2 Agonists (Beta-2 Receptor Stimulants)

    Cromolyn Sodium (Intal®)

    Nedocromil Sodium (Tilade®)

    Leukotriene Modifiers

    Corticosteroids

        Inhaled Corticosteroid Treatment

        Short Term Oral Corticosteroid Treatment

        Alternate-Day Oral Corticosteroid Treatment

        Long Term Oral Corticosteroid Treatment

        "Steroid-Dependence"

        Corticosteroids and Osteoporosis

        "Steroid Phobia" (Fear of Steroids)

    Other Corticosteroid-Sparing or Anti-Inflammatory Agents

        Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®)

        Methotrexate

        Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg)

        Anticholinergic Medications (e.g. ipratropium bromide and tiotropium bromide)

        Immunization to Influenza

        Antihistamines

        Decongestants

        Expectorants

5. Immunological Treatments for Asthma

        Environmental Controls

        Immunotherapy (Allergy Injections)

        Injection Therapy with Anti-IgE

6. Use of Special Devices in Treatment of Asthma

    How To Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)

    How To Use a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

    How To Use Spacers and Nebulizers

    Home Peak Flow Monitoring

7. Other Issues Related To Asthma Management

    Common Allergic Symptoms

        Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever)

        Allergic Conjunctivitis

        Medications

            Antihistamines

            Nasal Sprays

            Decongestants

            Ophthalmics (eye drops)

    Asthma and Sinusitis

    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

    Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

    Chronic Cough

    Vocal Cord Dysfunction: A Medical Condition that Mimics the Symptoms of Asthma

    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    Cigarette Smoking

8. Physician/Patient Relations

9. Other Consultants Who Work With the Allergist/Asthma Specialist

Part Three - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Did You Inherit Your Asthma?

2. Does Age Have Anything To Do with Asthma?

3. Are Your Symptoms of Asthma Unusual?

4. Does Coughing Cause Asthma?

5. Does Work Make Your Asthma Worse?

6. Are Pets Causing Your Asthma?

7. Why Do You Wheeze at Night (Nocturnal Asthma)?

8. What Is the Difference Between Asthma and Emphysema?

9. Besides Asthma, What Else Can Make You Wheeze?

10. Is Asthma an Emotional Disease?

11. What Drugs Do You Need to Avoid?

12. Should You Avoid Sulfites and/or Other Preservatives?

13. Should You Exercise?

14. Will Asthma Affect Pregnancy?

15. Can Your Asthma Get Better Without Treatment?

16. Is It Asthma or Is It Allergy: What's the Difference?

17. How Can You Find Out the Pollen or Mold Spore Count?

18. Should You Use Alternative Medicine Remedies to Treat Your Asthma?

19. How Can You Prevent a Flare of Asthma?

20. How Is Asthma Treated in the Emergency Room?

21. What Do You Do When Your Asthmatic Symptoms Worsen?

22. How Do You Prevent Flares of Asthma?

23. How Can You Control Asthma When Traveling?

24. Will Your Child Outgrow His/Her Asthma?

25. Is Surgery a Special Risk for Asthma Patients?

26. How Can You Find More Information About Asthma and Allergies?

Asthma Tips

Signs of Worsening Asthma

Patient Guidelines

Goals of Asthma Management

Glossary

The Authors

Clinical Research

The Asthma Center Education and Research Fund

For More Information

What Should I Do In Case of An Emergency?