Abstract
Patients with functional respiratory disorders are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Most pulmonologists meet these disorders on a regular basis but seldom have the opportunity to make a comprehensive study of the conditions. In this respect, this volume promised to be a desirable review of the area. The subjects covered include the psychological aspects of asthma, dysfunctional breathing, chronic cough and vocal cord disorder.
The book comprises 16 chapters in 345 pages. The most important thing to recognise initially is that the book is edited by and largely written by paediatricians, consequently many of the chapters, although of interest, are of more relevance to paediatric colleagues than to adult physicians. This is a pity, though it does not spoil the book, entirely for the adult pulmonologist.
The book describes the psychological basis of some conditions and the psychological consequences of others. Some of the historical aspects, particularly those of asthma are of lasting interest. And covering the chronic disorders, the book also describes some therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback, breathing retraining, hypnosis and speech therapy. Some other chapters are a little outside most peoples’ experience including traditional Chinese medicine and mindful meditation. I don’t think this book is an overall success because it seems to try to cover adult and paediatric domains simultaneously. Some chapters have an emphasis on children, whereas others focus on the adult. In my experience, the good chapters included those with case scenarios, particularly the ones on vocal cord dysfunction, when to refer to a mental health professional and breathing retraining. The explanation of cognitive behavioural therapy and speech therapy chapters were also of great interest.
Overall, this will be a valuable book for people who are interested in the area and individual chapters will be of relevance to either adult physicians or paediatricians, though the book is neither in one camp or the other and may languish on library shelves.