Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

cules follow the path of least resistance. During inhalation the air pressure within the alveoli is less than the air pressure o ...

against these infections among their criteria for accepting recipients. Long-term immunosuppres- sion carries numerous risks, in ...

tion the tube may connect only to an oxygen source without a ventilator. THE IRON LUNG One of the first mechanical ventilators w ...

O oxygen–carbon dioxide exchange The process by which oxygen passes from the air in the LUNGS to the HEMOGLOBINin the BLOOD, and ...

components, an emitter and a tiny computer chip. The emitter is a small device that fits over the fin- gertip or on the EARlobe. ...

P pleura The membrane that covers the exterior surface of the LUNGS and lines the inside of the thoracic cavity. The pleura has ...

Upon AUSCULTATIONwith a STETHOSCOPEthe doc- tor can hear an abnormal abrasive sound called a pleural rub, which is the sound of ...

may show symptoms after relatively short periods of exposure and often improves when exposure ceases. Asbestosis may develop aft ...

Pathogens that can cause pneumonia include viruses, BACTERIA, and fungi. The pneumonias that result from these pathogens are con ...

generalized discomfort and aches fatigue chest discomfort or PAIN, especially with inhala- tion DYSPNEA (shortness of breath) o ...

secondary INFECTIONif present, or when the cause of the pneumonitis is bacterial infection. Elimina- tion of irritants, when kno ...

(ARDS), smoke inhalation, near drowning, and high altitude can also cause pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema can be a life-threat- ...

typically the deep veins of the legs. It most com- monly develops as a consequence of venous stasis, in which the blood moves sl ...

resistance against the blood flowing through the veins. People who have an increased tendency to form clots (hypercoagulation) a ...

R rales See BREATH SOUNDS. respiration rate The number of respiratory cycles a person completes in one minute. A typical healthy ...

cyanosis fatigue edema (swelling, typically in the hands and feet) Doctors measure and assess chronic respiratory failure thro ...

S silicosis An obstructive condition of the LUNGS that develops with repeated and usually long-term exposure to crystalline sili ...

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures Occupational exposure is the risk factor for silico- sis. Appropriate personal protective e ...

Lung Cancer Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 identifiable chemicals, more than 60 of which are identified carcinogens (cance ...

T–W tachypnea An abnormally rapid RESPIRATION RATE. BREATHINGis also usually shallow. The nor- mal respiration rate for healthy ...