Reddit reviews Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials (Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials (West))

Dr. John West is a legend in pulmonology. He teaches at UCSD and his lectures can be found here: http://meded.ucsd.edu/ifp/jwest/resp_phys/

Pathophysiology lectures here: http://meded.ucsd.edu/ifp/jwest/pulm_path/index.html

His book: Respiratory Physiology is a great one.

Respiratory Physiology by John B West
http://www.amazon.ca/Respiratory-Physiology-John-West-PhD/dp/1609136403

Its highly recommended by most. I haven't myself read through it but I do intend to. Its a small book and heard its an easy read.

I would say that if you're really interested I'd start with this or this. Here is one free article on just that specific topic.

But as an anesthesiologist I mostly see it in acute airway obstruction, such as a patient biting down on an endotracheal tube during extubation, a patient with an obstructive mass, etc. It certainly can happen during diving, especially with a kinked hose or breathing far past what your regulator can deliver or something - but I'm really not as familiar with that setting. It's easy to imagine it getting confused with regular drowning or near-drowning.

http://www.amazon.com/Respiratory-Physiology-Essentials-RESPIRATORY-PHYSIOLOGY/dp/1609136403/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

This book has clearly, by far, the highest ratio of relevant medical fact to pages that has ever been constructed. The only problem is: you practically have to know every word.

Also, it principally deals with the adult lung, and the principles that allow understanding of the diseases of middle to late age.

Also it's dense. Chapter 7, innocently titled 'the mechanics of breathing', covers a staggering amount of material.

Best of luck.

Edit: Have to add, West is in my EDC. It is the bees knees.