Advances in Pediatric Pulmonology

The opening chapter of the book illustrates how improved understanding of cellular physiology is leading to novel approaches to respiratory disorders. This is followed by an up-to-date review of modern imaging techniques of the pediatric chest and the outlook for further developments in this field. The state of the art in the management of childhood asthma is presented in the next two chapters: one focuses on the therapy of acute asthma, while the other outlines preventive approaches. Other topics covered include the diagnosis and management of sleep apnea, the applications of both rigid and flexible bronchoscopy in the pediatric age group, as well as laryngotracheal abnormalities and the new developments in surgical techniques for anomalies causing upper airway obstruction. Toxic insults to the lungs by environmental toxins, drugs, acid reflux or pulmonary disease secondary to systemic disorders are very thoroughly discussed as is the approach to the child who develops signs of chronic lung disease. The final chapter focuses on lung transplantation in children with terminal disease and presents results from the center with the greatest experience to date.