Mechanical Ventilation
Introduction Mechanical ventilation is the process of using a device (ventilator) to support, partially or totally the delivery of gas to the lungs. The desired effect of mechanical ventilation is…
Alveolar Hemorrhage and Rare Infiltrative Diseases
Introduction This chapter discusses diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) and includes other rare infiltrative disorders of the lung. DAH is a serious condition characterized by widespread intra-alveolar hemorrhage that originates from…
The Respiratory System and Chest Wall Diseases
Introduction Disorders of the soft tissue and bony structures of the chest wall generally cause restrictive dysfunction by limiting motion or causing disordered movement of the chest wall. Kyphoscoliosis and…
Bacterial Pneumonia and Lung Abscess
Introduction Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent infectious respiratory disease. Although many patients with CAP can be treated as outpatients, the mortality of CAP in those who do require hospitalization…
Pleural Infections
Introduction Of the approximately 1 million cases of hospitalized pneumonia each year in the United States, around 60,000 will develop frank empyema. A further 25,000 are estimated to develop pleural…
Pulmonary Thromboembolism
Introduction The one generalization about venous thromboembolism (VTE) that is free from controversy is that many aspects of this disorder remain controversial. There are multiple reasons why VTE continues to…
Pleural Effusion
Introduction The pleural space is bounded by two membranes, the visceral pleura covering the lung and the parietal pleura covering the chest wall and diaphragm. Into this space, normal liquid…
Hypocapnia and Hypercapnia
Introduction Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is produced during aerobic cellular respiration and is a “waste product” produced by all aerobic life forms. Arterial CO 2 tension (arterial P co…
Acute Ventilatory Failure
Introduction Respiratory failure exists when the respiratory system cannot maintain gas exchange, causing dysfunction in other organs or threatening life. Such impairment primarily affects oxygenation, manifested by hypoxemia, or affects…
Trauma and Blast Injuries
Thoracic Trauma Introduction Among trauma victims, thoracic trauma is the second most common cause of death in the field and the third most common cause of death in patients who…
