Ch. 1. Understanding and explaining the mechanisms of asthma -- Ch. 2. Diagnosing and staging the severity of asthma -- Ch. 3. Medications used to treat asthma -- Ch. 4. Treating asthma in the ambulatory setting -- Ch. 5. Special considerations in childhood asthma -- Ch. 6. Pulmonary function testing and peak flow monitoring -- Ch. 7. Identifying allergic sensitivities and promoting allergen avoidance -- Ch. 8. Inhalers and inhalational aids in asthma treatment -- Ch. 9. Managing asthmatic attacks -- Ch. 10. Developing an asthma action plan