Despite the availability of many effective treatments for asthma, patients' control of the condition is often suboptimal. Now in its third edition, Fast Facts: Asthma delivers a clear practical message - improved asthma control can be achieved through efficient commonsense delivery of asthma care. This highly readable and well-illustrated book examines the essentials of good asthma care, distilled from the latest international guidelines and best available evidence. These include: - accurate asthma diagnosis - identification of risk factors and triggers - objective assessment of airway inflammation and severity - practical and convenient measurement of lung function - effective delivery of inhaled medication - the recommended stepwise approach to asthma treatment - recognition and treatment of acute asthma attacks - individualized management plans and patient education. The practical applied information presented in this fully updated edition of Fast Facts: Asthma is designed to help healthcare professionals in primary care improve treatment, reduce dependence on reliever medication, achieve near-normal lung function and improve quality of life in all patients with asthma.