Respiratory Disorders Sourcebook, 6th Ed.

A person can take in, on average, 12–20 breaths a minute, or approximately 17,000–30,000 breaths a day. When the respiratory system is working properly, most of this work is done automatically; however, for millions of people with respiratory disorders, meeting the body’s vital need to take in life-sustaining oxygen and remove carbon dioxide becomes a challenge. Infections can cause mucus that narrows the airways and asthma triggers can cause muscles around the airways to tighten, restricting airflow. In addition, long-term exposure to toxins, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes, can lead to a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive disease that affects millions of Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Respiratory Disorders Sourcebook, Sixth Edition provides updated information about the causes, triggers, and treatments of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, including asthma, COPD, influenza, pneumonia, sinusitis, and tuberculosis (TB). It also discusses other conditions that impair a person’s ability to breathe, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), lung cancer, and traumatic lung disorders. Lab and imaging tests used to diagnose respiratory disorders are explained, and a separate part deals with breathing problems in children. The book also offers tips for living with chronic lung conditions, a glossary of related terms, and a directory of helpful organizations.

Part I: Understanding and Preventing Respiratory Problems describes the components of the respiratory system and how they work together to facilitate healthy breathing. It discusses factors that can impact respiratory functioning, including genetics, allergies, hormonal changes, the aging process, and exposure to toxins and irritants. The part concludes with statistical information and research on common respiratory disorders in the United States.

Part II: Infectious Respiratory Disorders discusses bacterial, viral, and fungal agents that lead to illnesses such as the common cold, bronchitis, influenza, ear infections, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, strep throat, Aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, and inhalation anthrax. The part also offers tips for preventing the transmission of communicable respiratory diseases.

Part III: Inflammatory Respiratory Disorders begins with information about the most common chronic respiratory disorder—asthma. The part also describes other respiratory disorders that are characterized by inflammation. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and occupational lung diseases, such as those related to exposure to asbestos, silica, and mold.

Part IV: Other Conditions That Affect Respiration offers information about disorders and diseases that impact lung function and the ability to breath normally, including cystic fibrosis (CF), lung cancer, lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and muscular dystrophy. This part also discusses lung trauma and lung-related emergencies that can be life threatening, such as pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary edema. The part concludes with details on neuromuscular and kidney diseases that impact lung function.

Part V: Pediatric Respiratory Disorders discusses the effect of specific respiratory disorders on children. These include asthma, croup, respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, and respiratory syncytial virus (bronchiolitis).

Part VI: Diagnosing and Treating Respiratory Disorders explains how pulmonologists and respiratory therapists treat and work with patients, and it describes common diagnostic tests, including pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, chest scans and x-rays, sweat test, and others. Information about commonly used medications, surgical procedures, and pulmonary rehabilitation therapies are also included.

Part VII: Living with Chronic Respiratory Problems offers tips about minimizing triggers that contribute to asthma and other respiratory disorders, and it talks about emergency action plans. Strategies for using common medical devices associated with respiratory care—including inhalers, peak flow monitors, and nebulizers—are also included.

Part VIII: Additional Help and Information provides a glossary of important terms related to respiratory disorders and a directory of organizations that offer information to patients with respiratory disorders and their families and caregivers.