Pulmonology & Smoking Cessation

This 36-pg booklet from NHLBI provides advice for controlling asthma in students, with emphasis on asthma action plans, the recognition of asthma triggers,and how to recognize worsening asthma and what to do about it.

NIH's 2-pg asthma action plan handout for patients outlines a customized treatment plan (including medications) for three risk scenarios:  doing well, asthma is getting worse and medical alert.

This 15-pg printer-friendly PDF gives extensive detail on asthma management. The green-yellow-red system is mapped to peak flow results. Step-by-step guidance is detailed on the use of peak flow meters, inhalers, and spacers. Household allergen trigger management is provided. Created by the Chinese Community Respiratory Disease Task Force.

This NIH/NHLBI 49-pg, illustrated booklet on asthma contains extensive information on pathogenesis, monitoring (using a peak flow meter), and self-management. Readers can proactively and optimally manage their care through its symptom diary, warning signs checklist, and action plan. Includes tips for communicating with healthcare providers.

1-pg, printer-friendly, handout on chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms and tests used for diagnosis are described. It features a drawing of lung anatomy with normal and diseased airways and alveoli. Includes a treatment section that addresses smoking cessation as well as medications and supportive therapy.

This 1-pg, printer-friendly, illustrated handout describes the symptoms of pertussis, including the characteristic whoop. It discusses the important role of vaccination in preventing infection. Diagnosis, prognosis, and antibiotic treatment for infection are discussed. A basic diagram of lung anatomy is included.

NIH's 5-pg handout describes the causes and risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Symptoms and tests used to diagnose the condition are discussed. It also describes appropriate antibiotic use and supportive therapy and includes warning signs for when to contact a medical professional. 

This 1-pg printer-friendly handout discusses the symptoms of RSV infection and alerts parents about when to take their ill child to see a provider. It focuses on measures patients can take to prevent infection. Treatment of symptoms is also briefly described.

NIH's 4-pg handout lists the causes of viral pneumonia and the people most at risk of it. Symptoms and tests used to diagnose the condition are described. Treatment section focuses on supportive care and prevention of dehydration. Also includes a section on vaccination and other preventive measures.

This FDA 2-pg color handout describes how much sleep is considered adequate for good health, the causes and types of common sleep problems such as insomnia, feeling sleepy during the day, snoring, and sleep apnea. Specific tx options for each problem are discussed. Includes practical tips for getting a good night's sleep.

This 1-pg color handout from the EPA defines secondhand smoke, explains how it puts the whole family’s health at risk, and lists ways to protect the family from secondhand smoke, including keeping homes and cars smoke-free. Resources for more information on smoke-free homes, asthma management, and testing children for lead poisoning are included.

The FDA's 12-pg color booklet for women describes reasons to quit (including immediate health benefits and impact on birth control and pregnancy), the nicotine withdrawal process, and quit tips. Includes information on nicotine and non-nicotine-containing medications to help quit.

AHRQ's easy-to-read tear sheet designed for prenatal providers to give to their patients offers practical, supportive tips and a personalized quit plan for smokers and other tobacco users.