Authors: Drs. Ashok Birbal Jain; Aruna Birbal Jain Publisher: Pustak Mahal (www.pustakmahal.com)
More than 150 million people suffer from asthma. Doctors do not know the cause of asthma.
Recent research says, a gene responsible for asthma has been identified. Other triggers have also been identified. For example, the common cold can cause an asthma attack in a person who has the disease. There also are several air pollutants that can lead to an asthma attack. Pollen is one such pollutant. Pollen is a fine dust that comes from plants that produce seeds. However, almost any kind of dust can cause an asthma attack if enough of it is in the air. This includes common dust found in houses. Air pollution from burning fuel also can cause an asthma attack. Tobacco smoke can do the same. Some kinds of animal hair are a trigger for asthma. And, even some insects in the home can lead to asthma attacks.
Several things happen in the lungs when an asthma sufferer has an attack. Cells in the air passages begin to produce too much of a thick, sticky substance called mucous. The mucous creates blocked areas in the air passages. The tissue that lines the air passages begins to expand at the same time. And, the muscles in the passages tighten. All these changes cause the air passages to narrow. This reduces the amount of air that can flow in and out of the lungs. The sufferer can not get a good, deep, breath of air. The narrowed airways also cause coughing and a tight feeling in the chest. With over 20 years experience in treating asthma, the authors (Drs.Ashok Jain & Aruna Jain) cover all these aspects in their book: Highlights of the book include: *Mechanism of asthma–its signs and symptoms *Risk factors including its possible connection with the, medical history of the patient *Diagnosis, and the use of peak-flow meter *Grading the severity of Asthma–its treatment *Stepwise approach to therapy; the drugs used *Managing acute cases; asthma in special situations *Exercise-induced asthma, inhalation therapy, travelling and asthma
*Prevention of asthma 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.
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