title: Applying physiology to conventional mechanical ventilation.
abstract: It is important to understand the physiology that underlies how patients get into respiratory difficulty and how they can be supported to overcome these difficulties. This article reviews the physiological principles that underpin decision making about support for patients with respiratory difficulties, whether they are related to inadequate oxygenation or ventilation.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital-McGill University Health Centre. larry.lands@muhc.mcgill.ca
authors.forename: Larry C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Lands
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*