Asthma

Asthma examines the factors involved in the causation of asthma and their mode of action. The value of treatment on bacteriological lines is fully emphasized. Methods of examination and treatment are described, and the physiology and pathology of the disease are discussed. A statistical survey of 3,000 cases is presented, and all cases of asthma are classified into one of three fundamental types: Type I, the allergic or protein-hypersensitive type; Type II, the infective group; and Type III, the aspirin-sensitive group. Comprised of 19 chapters, this book begins with a detailed account of the intimate biophysical mechanism of sensitization, the phenomenona of anaphylaxis, and allergy. The reaction of the body to histamine and the hemoclasic crisis that occurs in the blood in anaphylaxis are also considered. The reader is then introduced to the definition of asthma as well as its anatomical and physiological aspects; etiological factors in asthma, including heredity; and signs and symptoms of a paroxysm of asthma. Subsequent chapters focus on several cases of asthma; treatment of acute paroxysm; treatment of all three types of asthma; and other complaints related to asthma. This monograph will be of interest to practitioners and specialists dealing with allergic diseases.