The Asthma Self-Care Book: How to Take Control of Your Asthma [Mass Market Paperback]

Geri Harrington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1999

More than twenty million people in America now suffer from asthma, and the numbers are continuing to rise. An asthmatic who almost died from an asthma attack, Geri Harrington shares her wisdom and knowledge with fellow sufferers to help them avoid a similar experience and learn to control their condition. In this unique, thoroughly researched, and comprehensive guide, she offers the most up-to-date information on the disease, its causes, and its treatment. Find out:

What to do if you think you have asthma

The role of the physician and medication, including inhalers--what works for you

Recognizing and dealing with asthma triggers--including stress and food

The truth about exercise and asthma--including breathing techniques

How to help the asthmatic child

How to manage your asthma now and in the years ahead

And much more.

The Asthma Self-Care Book comes complete with a list of commonly prescribed medications, information sources, affiliated associations, and a wealth of other pertinent information to help you understand and live with this chronic illness.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

An asthma attack is a terrifying event to experience, a frightening one to witness. Because one feels so helpless in the face of an attack, having information and strategies to cope with it can only benefit the asthmatic as well as the onlooker. Harrington nearly died from an asthma attack and writes from firsthand experience. She stresses that knowledge is power for an asthmatic, since understanding the disease and its triggers, and knowing what action to take when, can prevent or control some attacks. Having a doctor you respect and trust, managing your asthma with medications, and recognizing and coping with the triggers or stimuli that initiate breathing difficulties are essential to living with asthma. A useful appendix includes information on medications, organizations devoted to asthma education, plus complete data on lung associations and asthma rehabilitation centers and programs. Stevens addresses asthma from a parent's view, with an eye toward prevention. This practical approach answers basic questions about triggers, environment, medications, and living with asthma day by day. Ideas on ways to make hospitalization less traumatic are reassuring to both parent and child. A discussion of government and private organizations provides essential information, as does a geographic listing of accredited programs in allergy/immunology. There is a reading list and suggested exercises. Both books make valuable contributions to self-help methods in coping with this chronic disease that afflicts over ten million people and is on the rise. Highly recommended.
- Janet M. Coggan, Univ. of Florida Libs., Gainesville
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A wealth of information about the illness, what prompts attacks, and the pros and cons of medications. She also offers practical advice to help asthmatics reduce stress, get proper exercise, and manage their diets. Harrington is thorough, firm, and sensible." -- Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins (Mm); Updated edition (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061097969
• ISBN-13: 978-0061097966
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,919,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars definitely taking control!!, August 5, 2000

By 

"augusteb" (Saint Lucia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Asthma Self-Care Book: How to Take Control of Your Asthma (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a book that I couldn't put down once I got started. Everything an asthmatic should know is included in this book, from nutrition, exercise, stress, inhalers, types of medication available,including breathing techniques, choosing the right doctor and there is a section dealing with children and asthma. The writing style is great as the author is actually speaking to the reader. Having grown up with asthma, I encourage families with asthmatic patients to get a copy of this book. It really is a must have for all asthmatics.

3.0 out of 5 stars Some useful information, but out-of-date., January 21, 2012

By 

Aleta Turner "Aleta" (Athens, GA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Asthma Self-Care Book: How to Take Control of Your Asthma (Mass Market Paperback)

Some useful information, but out-of-date. For example, it has makes no mention of dry-powder inhalers or fluticasone. Nor does it mention the relationship of asthma and GERD. It may have been good at its time, but I recommend finding a newer book.