Writing for internists, family physicians, nurses, physician"s assistants, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists, Fanta et al. (Brigham & Women"s and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston) provide an evidence-based guide to educating asthma patients and communicating with them about the disease. It covers what asthma is and its relation to allergies; diagnosis; defining its severity; medications and side effects; the use of medications in a stepwise approach based on severity; and the special issues of young children. The second section addresses practical aspects of care, such as what caregivers need to know about measuring lung function and peak flow; identifying and avoiding allergens in different environments; using inhalers; developing action plans; and pulmonary function testing. A chapter on hospital-based management of attacks is included. Much of the content in the book is based on continuing education seminars for allied health professionals presented by the Partners Asthma Center"s Asthma Educator"s Institute in Massachusetts in 2003. It also relies on asthma practice recommendations of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program of the National Institutes of Health. There is no bibliography. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)