Lung Disorders Sourcebook.

Matthews DD, ed. Detroit, MI 48226, Omnigraphics Inc, 2002, hardcover, 669 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7808-0339-6, $78.

The Lung Disorders Sourcebook provides basic information about the lungs and various types of lung disorders, including clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prevention. It explains the medical tests used to diagnose lung diseases and presents information about organizations that provide support and resources for people who may have a lung disorder. In addition, a glossary of terms is provided at the end of the book.

This book is part of the Health Reference Series that provides consumer information about a broad range of medical issues. As a result, it is a very general introduction to lung disorders written primarily as patient education material. It is a compendium of documents and excerpts from publications issued by a variety of government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In addition, it contains copyrighted articles from various associations (eg, the American Lung Association), health systems (eg, the Jefferson Health System and the Mayo Foundation), and research centers (eg, the National Jewish Medical Research Center). The full reference for each chapter is provided as a footnote.

The content of the book is arranged into 6 parts and 100 chapters. Part I, "Introduction" (5 chapters), discusses basic lung structure and function and environmental factors. Part II, "Types of Lung Disorders"(35 chapters), focuses on the clinical signs and symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of lung disorders and includes common disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as rare disorders, such as beryllium disease. Part III, "Diagnosis" (19 chapters), describes the particular tests or procedures in a patient-friendly format. Part IV,, "Treatment" (16 chapters), includes a guide to choosing medical treatments and chapters on the various medications available, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Part V, "Risks and Prevention" (21 chapters), focuses on various environmental issues, smoking cessation programs, and prevention strategies. Part VI, "Additional Help and Information" (4 chapters), includes a glossary of terms and listings of organizations that provide resources to people with lung conditions.

The information provided in each chapter is divided by specific headings and is concise, which makes it easy for patients to read. Many of the medical terms are explained in lay terms in parentheses (ie, "pathophysiology--abnormalities of function"). The chapters follow a logical progression.

The information in the book is accurate; however, many of the references are from the late 1990s. Because of this, medical advances since that time may make the information slightly outdated, particularly the statistical data cited (eg, length of hospital stay, demographics). Only a few of the chapters provide a reference list. Some figures and tables are included to illustrate basic anatomy and certain procedures to help enhance the reader's understanding.

The chapters related to secretion clearance mention "chest physical therapy" as a treatment option. The description is very brief and provides a basic overview for the reader. However, in the COPD chapter, positioning for postural drainage is described in a way that is inaccurate and could mislead the reader. In addition, when pulmonary rehabilitation is discussed as a treatment option for bronchitis, the text indicates that pulmonary rehabilitation "is often given by a Respiratory Therapist" without mentioning other health care professionals. However, in the chapter "Pulmonary Rehabilitation," many more health care professionals, including physical therapists, are recognized as team members.

Overall, the Lung Disorders Sourcebook has some value as a resource for people searching for basic information on lung disorders, clinical tests used in diagnosis, and treatment options. Physical therapists may want to refer to some of the chapters as an adjunct for patient education.

Anita Bemis-Dougherty, PT
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Md

Ms Bemis-Dougherty is Director of Physical Therapy and has been involved in acute care clinical practice for 25 years, including acute pulmonary physical therapy.