Cystic Fibrosis

Outlines in detail the basic science that underlies the disease and its progression, putting it into a clinical context. Diagnostic and clinical aspects are covered in depth, as are monitoring the condition and the importance of multidisciplinary care, reflected in the sections into which the new edition has been subdivided to improve accessibility. Future developments, including novel therapies, are covered in a concluding section. The clinical areas have been much expanded, with the introduction of separate chapters covering sleep, lung mechanics and the work of breathing, upper airway disease, insulin deficiency and diabetes, bone disease, and sexual and reproductive issues. A new section on monitoring discusses the use of databases to improve patient care, and covers monitoring in different age groups, exercise testing and the outcomes of clinical trials in these areas. Separate chapters are devoted to paramedical issues, including nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, and palliative and spiritual care. Throughout, the emphasis is on providing an up-to-date and balanced review of both the clinical and basic sciences aspects of the subject, and to reflect the multi-disciplinary nature of the cystic fibrosis care team.

Beyond its central premise, the book can be read through the connected lenses of Nonfiction. Those themes offer useful points of attention as the characters, ideas, or world develop, especially where the book complicates the expectations of its primary category.