Asthma For Dummies

by William E. Berger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Foreword)

The incidence of asthma is rising dramatically in the United States and across the globe. Asthma affects 17 million people in the U.S. and is the most common chronic childhood disease. If you or someone you love suffers from asthma, you know that there is no cure―however, with proper care, asthmatics can lead normal, active, and fulfilling lives. Now you can breathe easy with this plain-English guide, which clearly explains the prevention, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of the disease. Asthma For Dummies will help asthma sufferers and their loved ones get a strong handle on managing the disease. Dr. William Berger, one of the nation’s foremost experts on allergies and asthma, gives you the tools you need Featuring up-to-date coverage of childhood asthma, this easy-to-understand guide covers all the vital issues surrounding asthma, including handling food allergies, exercising when asthmatic, asthma during pregnancy, and all the latest medications. You’ll find tips on avoiding allergens that cause respiratory symptoms, testing for allergies, and dealing with HMOs. This fact-packed guide also Offering the latest on allergy shots and tips for traveling with asthma, Asthma for Dummies will relieve your anxiety about asthma, help you control your triggers, and manage the disease long-term.

Genres: Health, Self Help, Nonfiction

388 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2004

Reviews

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focused to much on asthma to really be helpful to me! Dust mites anyone!?

[Cindy Thap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful resource for someone new to asthma.

[Kylo Ren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok this book doesn't actually teach HOW TO GET ASTHMA or other lifelong breathing problems.

[Elf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first and only '...for dummies' book so I guess this will also be a review of the concept.

While the info is good, the info about my own type of allergies was too basic (dust mite and cockroach.) That's what dummies books are about I suppose but allergy sufferers who use the internet, like myself, usually read a bunch of articles, talk to their doctors before turning to books. So any 'too basic info', the chances are they already heard about it. There IS some more in this book to be fair but about different type of allergies/symptoms than mine. The most useful chapter for me was probably the one that listed anti-histamines. It was helpful to have all that info in the same place. William E. Berger's writing is very easy to read.

If they ever release a book about dust mite allergy alone I might purchase that one. Until then, I think I'm done with the "...for dummies" books.

[John Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an asthmatic since childhood, I wondered if there might be something to learn here. The answer was no, this book probably won't be much help to asthmatics under treatment. However, there may be some reminders as information is summarised in one place. This is good, but the author also homes in on even the minutest detail, or trivial behaviour, which seemed ridiculous. This might suit a parent with a child who has asthma, right at the beginning of their treatment.
Rating 3.0.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic book about asthma for those that know nothing about it. What to expect at the doctors, meds, the link between allergy and asthma etc. It is a little outdated because it was written in 2004, but the basic information is the same. In the Dummies format, so it's easier to pull out the simpler information and stick with that.

[Peggy Haufle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being recently diagnosed this book answered my questions and got me to start a journal. I read the updated edition . I know possible triggers and why I have different medicines. The chapters run true to the titles so was able to skip those that don't pertain to me .

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

It provides sufficient information to support patients and care-givers

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So. Much. Repetition. This was really hard to get through, but had some interesting info.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is a world renowned allergy and asthma specialist - it was pretty good reference. I guess I'm just not a huge fan of the "dummy" guides - the format for me is a little cumbersome.

Wish it had more about pediatric asthma which was why I purchased it.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent source for someone just diagnosed with asthma, but if you are just looking for some helpful hints to help you along, look elsewhere. I learned nothing new.

[Eldra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book that explains asthma in ways that can help children and parents explain it to people who have never dealt with it.