The information contained in the book was extremely helpful in educating me about how serious a chronic cough can be and how important it is to get appropriate treatment for anything that is related to your lungs on a timely basis. My sister is a severe asthmatic and I ordered a copy for her and sent it to her in California.

Following my bout of pneumonia, I have learned that I have a pulmonary nodule and again found the information in the book helpful as I have begun to navigate the ramifications of that health issue. When I was first diagnosed, I also emailed Dr. Schacter some questions and he responded to me personally which was certainly "above and beyond."

I highly recommend this book to anyone anyone with any pulmonary issues.


This book could save your life   August 24, 2003
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is an excellent book for anyone suffering from or who has just acquired a breathing disorder. I bought it after coming down with a case of bronchitis that would not go away after several weeks. The book helped me realize the dangers of not getting the proper treatment for COPD. It also helped me be a partner with my doctor in the treatment of it. I understand the treatment decisions, the drugs used (and not used) and what to do to prevent a recurrance. The cost of the book is a small price to pay for being a knowledgeable patient.


Useful book   May 6, 2007
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

A book of this sort is good insofar as it is technically accurate, and also if it zeroes in on your especial situation. As a non-scientist I am unble to judge the former, and my situation is that I was recently diagnosed with early emphysema. But I quit smoking 13 years ago, so all the pages devoted to quitting smoking were irrelevant to me. I have, however, spent a lifetime with heavy smokers, starting before my birth -- not that I can do anything about that now. Thanks, Mom and Dad, colleagues, friends, and current and former husbands!

There is a lot in this book about COPD, its causes, its course, varieties of treatment, & strateies for living with it. It is easy to understand and has a glosary, bibliography for further research, and good index.

Fortunately my condition has been arrested with the use of Spireva [mentioned in the book],but I will keep my copy just in case.


Life and Breath   March 4, 2004
Finally, a book to help patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The families of people suffering from COPD will have a better understanding of the disease after reading this book.

At the present time, COPD is not curable. However, by reading Life and Breath, it will help those suffering from COPD live longer, happier and healthier lives. The book will teach us how to better control COPD.

One is taught and is given a better understanding of the complete chest workup. Eating habits are gone over extensively, and we learn that by changing our diet we can breath easier and more normally.

Pulmonary protection and physical work outs will allow us to breath easier and realize it is never too late to give up bad habits. Treatment strategies for both asthma and COPD are outlined in the book and are extremely important.

I recommend this bood to doctors, COPD patients and their families.

Daniel J. Colona, NY