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Breathing
Works for Asthma Review in the New Zealand Doctor Breathing Works for Asthma written by two Auckland-based respiratory physiotherapists, works as an informative and interesting book for patients with breathing disorders, and surprisingly also works as a good read for the professional working with these patients. Tania Clifton-Smith and Dinah Bradley call on their extensive experience and researched knowledge to bring us a delightfully written, well- organised book. Chapters deal with how we breathe, abnormal patterns, the function of the nose and diaphragm (medical school left at lot of this simple practical stuff out!), posture and coughing. The reader can then follow clear instructions on correcting faulty patterns, strengthening muscles and dealing with allergy. Finally appendices on asthma medication, inhalers, COPD and a helpful resource list and index complete the package. Actual patient stories are included which add a real-life feel to the book, although statements madeby the patient can appear endorsed by the authors in that they remain unchallenged. Spacer technique offered here differs from what is considered current practice in our region and I would argue that the stated bacterial cause of sinusitis may not help us GPs in our quest to reduce antibiotic prescribing for viral and allergic causes of this common problem. These few inaccuracies do not detract from a book that I would recommend all of us read and offer to our patients. In my general practice, I am becoming increasingly aware that a diagnosis of difficult asthma can be minimal asthma with grossly abnormal breathing habits. These people respond to retraining with a substantial reduction in their medication needs and enhanced quality of life as they learn that their breathing can be under their own control. I agree with Dr Allen Liang, president of Asthma NewZealand, who finishes his excellent foreword with the following: "This book by Dinah and Tania is truly state-of-the-art in this field. They deserve our applause and congratulations for a job well done. © MediMedia Ltd |
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