Synopsis
A companion monograph to West's Respiratory Physiology, which examines normal respiratory function, Pulmonary Pathophysiology focuses on the function of the diseased lung. The text offers a clear, concise overview of the most essential information regarding disease states of the lung, emphasizing structure and function. A question and answer section is included.
This Seventh Edition offers more coverage of lung cancer and infectious diseases affecting the lungs, and has more tables to aid in rapid review. All questions now conform to current USMLE format, and answers include rationales for all answer choices.
The fully searchable text is available online on thePoint.
Norberto C. Gonzalez
This fifth edition of a well known book by a highly respected respiratory physiologist addresses the mechanisms responsible for abnormal pulmonary function. The book is divided into three main sections: lung function tests; function of the diseased lung, covering the pathophysiology of common pulmonary diseases; and function of the failing lung, describing respiratory failure and its treatment. Normal values, suggested further reading, and study questions are included in appendixes. It is intended as a companion to a popular physiology monograph by the author. Its objective is to provide the basic concepts needed to understand the mechanisms responsible for abnormal pulmonary function in the most common lung diseases. The target audience includes medical students, internists, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists, as well as allied health personnel. This book fills in important need since there are few sources for a comprehensive, concise, basic introduction to pulmonary pathophysiology like that presented here. Important features include an adequate number of simple, clear illustrations of excellent educational value, an up-to-date and adequate reference list, and study questions. This book clearly demonstrates that pulmonary medicine is largely applied physiology. The emphasis on physiological mechanisms represents an excellent bridge between pulmonary physiology and medicine. The illustrations very nicely complement the text in presenting difficult concepts in a clear and concise manner. This fifth edition has been significantly updated without an increase in length, a commendable feat. It is easy to read, and should continue to provide a solid pathophysiological base to thoseinterested in understanding pulmonary disease.