The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook

Written by a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation researcher and a medical writer, this guide for patients and their families presents information needed when living with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema (COPD). A sampling of topics includes an overview of the respiratory system, the symptoms and progression of COPD, finding a doctor, stopping smoking, bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, the emotional and psychological consequences of COPD, alternative therapies, and surgical options.
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This revised edition on self-managing the diseases of chronic bronchitis and emphysema and how to lead a happy, healthy life has been updated to include chapters on alternative therapies, herbal treatments, and new surgical techniques.

"Dr. Francois Haas is an unusually gifted scientist and a compassionate human being."-HOWARD A. RUSK, M.D. Founder and Chairman, Rusk Institute

The bestselling guide for chronic bronchitis and emphysema sufferers-newly revised and expanded. For the millions of people diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, this bestselling guide is now revised and expanded to offer the most up-to-date information available. From helping you understand your disease and its proper care to showing you how to restore vitality and satisfaction to your relationships, Dr. Francois Haas and Dr. Sheila Sperber Haas provide you with the facts and information needed to find the right treatment and take full advantage of it. Written in a clear and helpful style, The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook now includes current information on useful complementary approaches-including herbal therapy-plus effective exercises and the latest medical advances. You'll discover:

* How to find the right doctor for you and discuss your treatment options

* How to deal with HMOs and the companies that provide supplemental oxygen

* Which new surgical techniques are most promising

* How to manage stress and anxiety

* How to slow your disease and substantially improve your quality of life

* A variety of helpful resources accessible by phone or web

* The newsletters written by experts that will keep you up-to-date

In the U.S. alone, thirteen million people sufferer from chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and the number of sufferers worldwide continues to rise. With over 20,000 copies sold, this new edition of The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook updates the book's valuable advice on how to self-manage the disease and lead a happy, healthy life. Highlights of this new edition include new chapters on alternative therapies and herbal treatments; new surgical techniques; information on alpha-antitrypsin emphysema; and expanded sections on exercises, dealing with HMOs, patient empowerment, and coping with insurance problems.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 304-305) and index.

FRANCOIS HAAS, Ph.D., directed the Pulmonary Function Lab of the New York University Medical Centers for 18 years and now heads the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation research program. SHEILA SPERBER HAAS, Ph.D., is a psychologist, medical writer, and managing editor of the newsletter Complementary Medicine for the Physician. They live in New York City.

You and COPD: An Introduction.

The Respiratory System: What It Is, How It Works, and What Goes Wrong in COPD.

COPD: The Damage, the Symptoms, the Progression.

Inherited Emphysema: Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency.

Seeking Help.

How Do I Know I Have COPD?

COPD and ...

Stop Smoking!

Bronchodilators.

The Rest of the COPD Drugs.

Complementary Therapies for COPD: Old Treatments Have New Life.

Oxygen Therapy.

Physical Therapies for COPD.

Conquering the Emotional and Psychological Consequences of COPD.

Daily Living.

Work and Play.

COPD and Sex.

COPD and Successful Travel.

Surgical Options.

The Final Phase.

Reflections: Taking the Measure.

Appendix.

Glossary.

Index.