Web links: Asthma info

The word "Asthma" first appeared in Homer's Iliad and was thought to be a disease affecting certain trades-metalworkers, tailors, and fisherman. Nowadays, it can affect up to one in four urban children in the developing world. Poor air quality appears to help contribute to a higher rate of asthma, as do congenital issues, overexposure to antibiotics, psychological stress, and even birth by Caesarean section. Whatever causes it, it's among the most frequent complaints in children. Below find research, advice, and parent guides about asthma from some of the best children's hospitals and government health and wellness organizations. It might help some of your patients breathe a bit easier.

American Academy Of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: http://www.aaaai.org/
For professionals, CME-credit articles and reading material from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. For parents, an A-to-Z glossary of allergic conditions, a just-for-kids page, and asthma and allergy news.

The Asthma And Allergy Foundation Of America: http://www.aafa.org/
A nonprofit patient organization that runs educational support groups for medical and emotional support. The Web site features an Ask the Allergist page as well as a toll-free help line, 800-7-ASTHMA.

Asthma And Obstructive Sleep Apnea: http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/asthma-osa.html
An informational page from the non-profit American Sleep Apnea Association.

Asthma And Sinusitis: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/resources/fastfacts/asthma_sinusitis.stm
An informational page from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Asthma And Teens: http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/wellness/info/parents/21317.aspx
An informational page from Denver's Children's Hospital.

Asthma Triggers: http://www.childrensmemorial.org/depts/allergy/asthmatriggers.asp
An informational page from Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago.

Childhood Asthma Overview: http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22782
An informational page from the American Lung Association.

Complementary Or Alternative Asthma Treatments: http://www.getasthmahelp.org/alternative_treatments.asp
An informational page from the Asthma Initiative of Michigan (AIM), with help from the American Lung Association of Michigan and the Michigan Asthma Communication Network.