While some individuals with asthma consider the condition only a minor nuisance, for others it significantly interferes with daily activities and may even be life-threatening. This book offers readers a broad introduction to this common respiratory issue. Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms, swelling, and excess mucus production in the bronchial passages of the lungs. This triggers coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. While asthma can usually be managed with medications and avoidance of certain triggers, it's a serious-potentially deadly-chronic disease. What You Need to Know about Asthma is part of Greenwood's Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, distilling and consolidating vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of "top 10" essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers' most pressing concerns. The text follows a standardized, easy-to-navigate structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering such basics as causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critically important, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book and are accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations. Approaches the subject in a holistic manner, covering such often-overlooked areas as societal perceptions and impact on family and friends An Essential Questions section provides quick answers to the questions readers are most likely to have and serves as a springboard to explore the content of the book in more detail Case Illustrations provide relatable, real-world examples of concepts discussed in the text An annotated Directory of Resources points readers toward useful books, organizations, and websites, acting as a gateway to further study and research

This accessibly written book explores the different types of stem cells, their current and potential future medical applications, and the many controversies that surround their creation and use. Whether from adults or embryos, stem cells have the potential to develop into many other types of cells-an ability that makes them potentially invaluable for curing a wide variety of diseases and disorders. And while some stem cell treatments are already in use today and have achieved remarkable results, the use of such cells continues to be clouded in controversy. This second edition of Steam Cells offers a wealth of new information and features. Coverage of research breakthroughs in the past decade has been added, including descriptions of recently discovered types of stem cells and stem cell therapies. In addition to addressing ethical and scientific controversies, the book also addresses issues such as the discrepancy between the public's expectations for regenerative medicine and current medical realities. Also new in this edition is a collection of case studies, each of which helps to make the topics discussed in the book more accessible to readers. Offers additional and updated information since the first edition, including expanded coverage of popularly contested topics such as weight loss medications and genetic contributors to obesity Examines key issues related to obesity, such as whether or not someone can be healthy and obese Highlights key ideas and debates discussed in the book through illuminating case studies that use engaging real-world scenarios Provides readers with a helpful Directory of Resources to guide their search for additional information

This book explores serious diseases and disorders that most readers have never heard of, ranging from genetic, infectious, and environmental diseases to autoimmune, idiopathic, and mental disorders. Despite centuries of scientific study and medical research, there are still many human diseases and disorders that remain difficult to manage or are incurable. Some of these maladies are extremely rare, yet, together, they affect a substantial number of people. The 101 Most Unusual Diseases and Disorders examines seldom-seen illnesses, providing high school and college students with an excellent resource for research as well as supplying fascinating reading for general readers interested in diseases and medical science. This book provides clear, easy-to-understand, and scientifically grounded information on the vast number of unusual medical conditions that have been recorded, covering five kinds of diseases and disorders: genetic, infectious, environmental, mental, and "other," which constitutes diseases of autoimmune and unknown origin. Examples of the medical conditions addressed include autoimmune encephalitis, Ebola, kleptomania, Morgellons syndrome, orthorexia, pneumoconiosis, and Prader-Willi syndrome. Selected case studies enable readers to better empathize with the experiences of those who have these disorders and how these afflictions have affected their lives. Provides readers with interesting facts and insights into unusual or rarely seen diseases and disorders from the perspective of an experienced medical writer Supplies accessible information for students and general readers and serves as a jumping-off point for further research into an unusual topic or disorder Addresses a topic of high interest due to recent media attention on deadly contagious diseases such as Ebola as well as popular television shows that focus on uncommon and interesting medical conditions like House and Mystery Diagnosis Includes case studies that serve to "personalize" the content by highlighting the experiences of individuals affected by a particular disease

This two-volume encyclopedia examines the history, characteristics, causes, and treatment of genetic disease, as well as the science of genetics itself. Modern science has unlocked many of the mysteries of genetics, providing a blueprint for understanding the origins behind previously mysterious ailments and conditions, both common and uncommon. A complete understanding remains elusive, however: geneticists are still refining theories about what causes chromosomes to mutate, and genetic diseases remain difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat. This fascinating reference explores the scientific and human aspects of this complex field of science. Encyclopedia of Human Genetics and Disease features nearly 400 entries, including well-known genetic diseases, rare and lesser-known genetic diseases, and the genetic factors that may contribute to common diseases and health conditions, such as breast cancer and obesity. The author presents in-depth discussions of concepts essential to understanding genetic disease in 18 entries that provide background on key topics, such as "Genetics 101," the genome and the foundations of genetics, genetic counseling, and newborn screening. Each of the 355 disorders profiled provides the history of the condition, its prevalence, causes, treatment (if any), and further reading. Interesting sidebars and compelling photos that help inform content accompany many entries. Illustrations and photographs An informative timeline of genetic study advancements An annotated list of websites and helpful books

Written for students and general readers, this comprehensive encyclopedia provides entries on the history, theories, symptoms, tests, treatments, and current and future research for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-and the arguments relative to its diagnosis and treatment-have been prominent in health news for the last twenty years. In 2005, more than 100 physicians signed documentation in the medical community validating ADHD as a mental disorder. The Encyclopedia of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders traces the disorder's history in detail for students and adults, identifying the people, places, tests, symptoms, treatments, and current and future avenues of research for this disease. Striking young children and with a ratio of 2:1 males to females, the symptoms of ADHD can persist well into adulthood, making education and a career difficult for patients. Whether researching the disease for personal or educational purposes, readers will find this encyclopedia provides a complete foundation in everything related to ADHD. A-Z organization makes it easy for the reader to find necessary information

Every day, newspapers and television news programs present stories on the latest controversies over healthcare and medical advances, but they do not have the space to provide detailed background on the issues. Websites and weblogs provide information from activists and partisans intent on presenting their side of a story. But where can students - or even ordinary citizens - go to obtain unbiased, detailed background on the medical issues affecting their daily lives? This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides readers and researchers a balanced, in-depth introduction to the medical, scientific, legal, and cultural issues surrounding gene therapy and its import in today's world of healthcare. Gene Therapy is organized to provide researchers with easy access to the information they need: BLSection 1 provides overview chapters on the background information needed to intelligently understand the issues and controversies surrounding gene therapy, such as the history of theories of the gene and recent developments in clinical trials BLSection 2 offers capsule examinations of the contemporary issues and debates that provoke the most heated disagreements and misunderstandings, such as whether or not humans should "tinker" with genetic material and who pays for genetic therapies. BLSection 3 includes reference material on stem cells, including primary source documents from important players in the struggle over gene therapy, a timeline of important events, and an annotated bibliography of useful print and electronic resources. This volume in the Health and Medical Issues Today series provides everything a student requires to understand the issues involved in gene therapyand provides a springboard for further research into the issue.

First documented at the turn of the century by German neurologist Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementia in older adults, robbing them of their minds and dignity. With the aging of the world's population, incidences of this degenerative brain disease are set to dramatically increase by 2010. However, there may be hope. Research at the genetic level is uncovering secrets of what makes up the disease and how it works. Presenting a history of Alzheimer's disease, this title looks at the human genome and explores how the pieces of the Alzheimer's puzzle are beginning to fit together. ""Alzheimer's Disease"" is an adventure into the exciting world of the search for a cure.