This text aids practitioners who seek to diagnose, treat and manage patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) more effectively. It discusses pulmonary gas exchange, muscle function and breathing, water/electrolyte imbalances and end-stage disease.

The field of acute exacerbations in chronic respiratory disease is challenging: definitions of acute exacerbations differ amongst the diseases and their severity has proven difficult to define. The Guest Editors of this Monograph tackle this challenging area by bringing together articles from internationally recognised experts in the field of acute exacerbations in chronic lung diseases. The book is separated into three sections: the first considers the definition, severity and consequences of exacerbations in each disease; the second looks at exacerbation triggers; and the third discusses the treatment and prevention of exacerbations using pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The book’s structure allows comparisons between the definitions, short- and long-term consequences, triggers and therapeutic management of different respiratory diseases. It serves as a complete reference that raises awareness about the importance of acute exacerbations in patients with chronic lung diseases.

This clinical reference for practitioners offers a new and comprehensive look at chronic obstructive lung disease. Global in scale and importance, it is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Bringing together a roster of internationally renowned contributors from the front lines of pulmonary medicine and research, it is aimed at practitioners in pulmonary medicine, pathology, thoracic radiology and epidemiology. Its focus is on the pathobiology of chronic obstructive pathology disease and emphysema and its exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and on treatment options. This reference works to 'connect the dots' by collating and centralizing the various data on the subject.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations covers the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, mechanisms, and treatment associated with COPD exacerbations. This text also addresses imaging and how it plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and study of exacerbations.Written by today's top experts, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbat

This is a Ph.D. dissertation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. Clinically, it is characterized by complaints of cough, sputum production, and/or dyspnoea, and diagnosed by a significantly reduced Tiffeneau index. It was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 1996, exceeded only by heart attacks, cancers and stroke. Hence, COPD is a major global health problem and its burden on society is growing rapidly. For these reasons, COPD was chosen as a study population in the present project.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasingly important health problem world-wide. Whereas most other leading diseases have shown a decline in the past decades, COPD morbidity and mortality is on a steady increase. Exacerbations are usually defined as an increase in cough, a change in the colour or quantity of sputum, and a worsening dyspnea. The role of bacterial infections and the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECD) is still controversial. Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis are a common occurrence in clinical practice and are a leading cause of antibiotic prescription among respiratory infections. It is still uncertain whether each new exacerbation may deteriorate the natural history of chronic bronchitis. Undoubtedly, every episode includes a temporary worsening in lung function and may therefore pose the threat of respiratory failure or death in more severely obstructed patients.

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison - not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations

The Washington Manual of Critical Care is a concise pocket manual for physicians and nurses. It is distinguished from the multitude of other critical care handbooks on the market by its consistent presentation of algorithms displaying the decision-making pathways used in evaluating and treating disorders in the ICU. The new edition transitions to a full color format and will include coverage of Deep Venous Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism, fetal-maternal critical care, C difficile infection, and alternative hemodynamic monitoring.