The Lung at Depth

This up-to-the-minute reference looks at many aspects of lung physiology and pathophysiology in the most challenging of physical environments on Earth-that of diving. Highlights causes of pulmonary barotrauma (severe or permanent lung injury) such as hypothermia, carbon dioxide poisoning, nitrogen narcosis, and pulmonary oxygen toxicity! Written by over 20 international experts in the field, The Lung at Depth covers the physics and physiology of immersion as it pertains to circulatory function and gas exchange examines the controversial issue of diving risks associated with asthma and other aspects of pulmonary fitness for diving explores the effects of different breathing gas compositions and the dangers of inhaling high-density gas at low temperatures addresses both the theoretical and practical problems of oxygen toxicity and carbon dioxide retention explains the lung's action as a bubble filter in decompression and its vulnerability to barotrauma evaluates subtle lung changes due to long-term diving exposures juxtaposes the pathophysiology of drowning and the physiology of liquid breathing details the unique challenges of human breath-hold diving and the remarkable adaptations of diving animals discusses the limitations and optimal design of breathing gear for divers and more! Profusely illustrated with more than 250 drawings and photographs, and containing over 1800 literature citations and instructive case studies, The Lung at Depth is an ideal resource for pulmonary and critical care specialists, physiologists, sports medicine practitioners, ocean engineers, bioprocess technologists, and graduate and medical students in these disciplines.