Gasping for Air

Glynn, a medical doctor who specializes in respiratory care, makes it impossible to take breathing for granted. It’s vital for life. Within five minutes of not doing it, our brains begin to die. Glynn accurately describes breathing in a narrative that is part history, part biography, and part science. He covers the history of tuberculosis, pneumonia, and polio. He talks about 'suffocating work.' More than 300 substances cause occupational asthma. And he looks at lung cancer, which kills 160,000 Americans per year, including his father, a heavy smoker. Who could blame him and his peers? Old ads featured physicians touting the refreshing power of cigarettes. Like two of his children and grandchildren, Glynn suffers from asthma. But his childhood condition came with a silver lining. Because sports were tricky for him as a child, he turned to books. And now he’s written one that is well researched and thoughtful and that should appeal to a large audience, given that 36 million Americans live with respiratory impairment. Inhale, exhale, appreciate. * Booklist *
Gasping for Air is an extraordinary piece of scientific work which is more of an artistic masterpiece. It's thoroughly researched and extremely well written. Dr. Glynn has somehow managed to weave together history of pulmonary medicine, several anecdotes and personal experiences into an artfully written Novel of Pulmonary Medicine for the non-physician. Though, it's a must read for every practicing pulmonologists as well. -- Ibrahim Faruqi, MD, MPH, FCCP, Director, Interstitial Lung Disease Program; Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Training Program, University of Florida
Kevin Glynn has written a behind-the-front-lines war chronicle, recounting in compelling detail our war against nature (influenza, tuberculosis, polio, fungi, Legionnaire’s disease) and against ourselves (toxins, industrial pollutants, cigarette smoke). Filled with personal stories and dramatic historical accounts—like the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal—Gasping for Air will take your breath away. -- Paul A. Offit M.D., MD, professor of pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; author of Pandora’s Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong (National Geographic Press, 2017)
Dr. Glynn has a gift for tackling would-be elusive and complicated matters, and making them not only understandable, but a pleasant and engaging read. Indeed, I found this book to most engaging. But it’s also informative enough to consider it as Recommended Reading for pulmonary/critical care fellows, perhaps even faculty, based on my experience is dealing with the former as a program director in an earlier life. Would other readers benefit? Sure. I think pulmonary Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, Respiratory Therapists, air conservationists, medical students and college undergraduates who have not yet decided on their career vector – any of these could stand to benefit. In fact, anyone who’d like to learn more about respiration will find Gasping for Air worthwhile. -- Lawrence W. Raymond, Director, Carolinas HealthCare System, ScM FCCP
Well-written, clear, informative, humorous, but most of all—sensitive and compassionate. -- Kenneth Miller, San Diego radiologist
This book is an easy read for those interested in becoming health professionals or for health professionals involved in caring for patients with pulmonary issues. The work offers discussions pertaining to various problems that cause pulmonary disease, such as pollution, infectious toxins, and carcinogens. Glynn, a pulmonary specialist and senior physician, suffers from severe asthma; as a result, he is able to provide a thorough account of how people who have difficulty breathing and obtaining air truly feel. He offers several anecdotes of patients with various respiratory diseases that he has treated throughout his long career. Glynn provides expert details of disorders such as sleep apnea, asthma, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. He also offers advice for sufferers on how to prevent severe exacerbations of these diseases. Additionally, interesting statistics that illustrate the number of individuals in the US and worldwide with respiratory problems are cited, along with a historical perspective of how influenza, polio, tuberculosis, and fungal processes have caused serious health concerns over the years. Overall, Gasping for Air offers an interesting account for patients suffering from pulmonary diseases. Also, the work will be a useful resource for individuals involved in caring for those with breathing issues. * CHOICE *