Respiratory muscle weakness and anorexia nervosa.
BACKGROUND
Nutritional recovery in anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with improved exercise tolerance.


METHODS
We describe the investigation of a male with AN. Despite nutritional recovery, he complained of impaired exercise tolerance.


RESULTS
Respiratory muscle weakness was demonstrated as the cause of the impaired exercise tolerance.


CONCLUSIONS
Weakness of the muscles of respiration results from prolonged malnutrition. The diaphragmatic muscle may be slower to recover than other muscles. This can cause impaired exercise tolerance due to shortness of breath on exertion, despite nutritional recovery.
Birmingham
C Laird
CL
Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. clbirm@interchange.ubc.ca
Tan
Adrienne O
AO
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*