The Asthma Educator's Handbook

OVERVIEW

Learn asthma care essentials -- from top experts at the Partners Asthma Center

"This book teaches physicians and other healthcare professionals how to recognize and treat asthma exacerbations and was inspired by patients and their experiences with this disease. It is designed for informed educators who know a fair amount about asthma while focusing on patient needs. It is an excellent resource for asthma educators. 3 Stars."--Doody's Review Service

Internists, family physicians, physician's assistants, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists will find this unparalleled, authoritative guide has everything needed to understand and treat asthma in children and adults.

Ideal for preparing for certification as an asthma educator (AE-C), The Asthma Educator's Handbook includes important information such as:

· How to develop an asthma action plan based on the principles of assessing and treating asthma attacks
· Diagnosis and staging ambulatory asthma treatment
· Inhalers and inhalation aids
· Managing asthmatic attacks
· Chapter-ending Q&As that simulate the types of questions likely to appear on the National Asthma Educators Certification Board Exam
· Case discussions that test your knowledge by asking you to assume the role of an asthma educator

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

• Christopher H. Fanta, MD is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA and has a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School.
• Elaine L. Carter, RN, AE-C is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
• Elisabeth S. Stieb, RN, AE-C is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
• Kenan E. Haver, MD is a member of Partners Asthma Center, Brigham & Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA and has a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I: The Fundamentals

Chapter 1. Understanding and Explaining the Mechanisms of Asthma
Chapter 2. Diagnosing and Staging the Severity of Asthma
Chapter 3. Medications Used to Treat Asthma
Chapter 4. Treating Asthma in the Ambulatory Setting
Chapter 5. Special Considerations in Childhood Asthma

Part II: Practical Aspects of Asthma Care

Chapter 6. Pulmonary Function Testing and Peak Flow Monitoring
Chapter 7. Identifying Allergic Sensitivities and Promoting Alergen Avoidance
Chapter 8. Inhalers and Inhalational Aids in Asthma Treatment
Chapter 9. Managing Asthma Attacks
Chapter 10. Developing an Asthma Action Plan