Respiratory Medicine: Current Progress

Respiratory medicine is a branch of internal medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the conditions and diseases of the chest. Pulmonary medicine is also actively associated with intensive care medicine, particularly in patients requiring life support and mechanical ventilation. Certain respiratory diseases are triggered by an exposure to toxins like coal mining fumes, tobacco smoke and asbestos. They may also be caused by infectious agents like certain birds and malt processing. Some conditions are heritable such as alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and cystic fibrosis. Physical examination for the presence or absence of clubbing, palpation of the cervical lymph nodes, auscultation and percussion of the lung fields is done for determining the condition. Research in respiratory medicine investigates possible treatments for diseases such as lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis, along with their underlying causes. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in respiratory medicine. The various advancements in the diagnosis and surgical management of respiratory diseases are glanced at and their implications and ramifications are looked in detail. It includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide innovative insights in this domain of medical science.