Asthma (Key Diseases Series).

Authors: Raymond G. Slavin, MD, and Robert E. Reisman, MD

Publisher: American College of 2002

The prevalence of asthma in the United States has increased by approximately 75% from 1980 to 1994 and the mortality rate rose from 0.9 deaths per 100,000 cases between 1979 and 1980 to 1.49 deaths per 100,000 cases between 1993 and 1995. Asthma affects both sexes and all races. Death rates for African Americans and Hispanics are 3- to 5.5-fold higher than that of whites. In 1998, there were an estimated 17 million Americans with asthma, about 1.6 million annual visits to the emergency room, and approximately 500,000 hospitalizations due to asthma. Annual combined direct and indirect costs amounted to approximately $1.3 billion. Asthma is a major health problem with significant socioeconomic impact that most physicians providing primary care are likely to encounter frequently.

Significant advances in the diagnosis and management of asthma have been made. Physicians need an up-to-date, practical, concise, easily read and referenced guide on this disease and its treatment. This was the goal that the authors set themselves. They assembled a stellar group of authors who were able to share their contributions at a very practical, simple, easily read and referenced level.

This book contains 14 chapters, each devoted to a specific aspect of the disease. First, the pathogenesis of asthma is comprehensively, yet concisely reviewed. This is followed by an authoritative discussion on the evaluation and management of asthma in adults, the differential diagnosis of asthma, the management of acute asthma in the office setting and environmental control. The pharmacotherapy of asthma is the subject of the sixth chapter and is followed by a review of immunotherapy, exercise-induced asthma, and the relationship between upper and lower airways. Specific issues related to asthma during pregnancy, asthma in the elderly, occupational asthma, drug-induced asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux are discussed in the remaining chapters.

This 237 page book is very well organized, and easy to read. The liberal use of case reports, diagrams, and algorithms ensures that the scope of the book remains at a practical level. The key points listed at the end of each chapter remind readers of important facts discussed in the chapter and are useful for further reference. The well-chosen references help physicians pursue their study further of the disease if they wish.

This book is highly recommended for all practicing physicians, should be part of the recommended reading for physicians-in-training, and should be available in most medical libraries. I strongly recommend it to our readers.