Pulmonary system and obesity.
There are several challenges in the management of respiratory failure in the obese population. Pulmonary physiology is significantly altered leading to reduced lung volumes, decreased compliance, abnormal ventilation and perfusion relationships, and respiratory muscle inefficiency. These complications can lead to a prolonged requirement for mechanical ventilation and increased intensive-care-unit length of stay.
Department of Critical Care Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
Doyle D
DD
Ashburn
Angela
A
DeAntonio
Mary Jane
MJ
Reed
D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014692:Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio / Q000502:physiology