Life and Breath: Preventing, Treating and Reversing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

by Neil Schachter

The fourth leading cause of death in the United States, COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects an estimated 35 million Americans. Yet only half are aware that they are seriously ill. Life and Breath , by Dr. Neil Schachter, is the first book that alerts people to their risks for COPD and explains the steps they need to take to prevent the development of this debilitating and often fatal lung disease.

Life and Breath begins witha quick quiz to rate your risk for COPD. It explains the steps of a complete pulmonary work-up and teaches you about the painless, inexpensive six-second test that can save your life.

We all know that diet, exercise, and environmental changes can reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Now, for the first time, Life and Breath provides the medical and lifestyle steps that can prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse the signs and symptoms of chronic lung disease. Dr. Schachter discusses the role of antioxidants in treating asthma and chronic bronchitis, explains why indoor exercise is better if you have irritable airways, and provides a supportive, simple, and successful plan to quit smoking.

Life and Breath takes you on a tour of your own home, pointing out sources of irritants and allergens that can cause pulmonary problems. Dr. Schachter explains how to improve indoor air quality to protect your lungs at any age, on the job, in your home, and on the road.

If you are one of the 15 million Americans with asthma, or one of the 94 million current or former smokers in this country , Life and Breath is the one book you need to stay alive and well.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 2003

Reviews

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is important reading for anyone who has asthma or emphysema. This is true, even if your asthma is mild. Taking action early in the course of your disease can make a huge difference in your future. As you age, it can be the difference between being comfortable with just a little medication or being dependent on a constant oxygen supply. I feel empowered and optimistic about my future after reading this book. For the first time, I feel like I'm in control of my asthma instead of it being in control of me. Now I understand the role of my inhalers and how to use them both effectively. I finally understand why I need to use a maintenance inhaler even though I don't have severe attacks very often anymore. I no longer see my rescue inhaler as something annoying to try to remember. Now it represents freedom and control because I daily make an informed choice to take care of myself.