Making Sense of Lung Function Tests A Hands-on Guide

This pocket-sized handbook presents the many commonly performed tests of respiratory function, investigations that are to respiratory medicine what the ECG is to cardiology. Up to one third of emergency admissions are related to breathing difficulties of one sort or another, and a variety of diagnostic investigations are required. Familiarity with the interpretation of a range of respiratory parameters is therefore a fundamental skill to be acquired during training and improved upon throughout clinical practice.

Providing invaluable 'hands-on' guidance for trainees in anaesthetics, medicine and pulmonary function, and also acting as a useful ready reference for the experienced clinician, Making Sense of Lung Function Tests places lung function in a clinical context using ‘real-life’ examples. The book integrates an understanding of the physiological principles underlying lung function with their interpretation in clinical practice. In reading Making Sense of Lung Function Tests the trainee physician will improve knowledge of the mechanical measurements of lung function, gain understanding of lung capacity and flow rates, be able to monitor the effectiveness of respiration, e.g. through blood gas analysis, and, as a result, will learn quickly how to manage patients requiring lung function tests appropriately and with confidence.

Pocket-sized guide for easy reference in the clinical setting
Pitched at a level appropriate for the non-specialist
Emphasis on clinical interpretation rather than the physiological or biochemical principles
Technical information provided where relevant, but separated out from the bulk of the text
Key physiological information highlighted for rapid reference
Includes 'frequently asked questions'

Table of Contents:
Tests of mechanical properties
1. Peak expiratory flow
2. Spirometry
3. Airway responsiveness testing
4. The flow volume loop
5. Static compliance
6. Lung volumes
7. Diffusion capacity
8. Respiratory muscle power
9. Airway resistance
Part II. Blood gas interpretation
10. Assessment of ventilation
11. Assessment of oxygenation
12. Distribution of ventilation and perfusion
13. Assessment of haemoglobin saturation
14. Respiration and acid-base balance
Part III. Exercise testing
15. Disability assessment tests
16. Limited exercise testing with saturation monitoring
17. Maximal cardio-respiratory testing
Part IV. Characteristic patterns of abnormality by disease