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Maximum respiratory pressures in morbidly obese subjects
T M Kelly1, R L Jensen, C G Elliott
1Division of General Internal Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Morbidly obese patients do not generate higher maximal respiratory pressures despite increased chest wall resistance. Lung volumes like vital capacity remain similar between obese and healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Obesity Research
- Respiratory Mechanics
Background:
- Obesity is associated with increased respiratory system resistance due to altered chest wall mechanics.
- It is hypothesized that obese individuals may compensate by increasing respiratory muscle strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate maximal respiratory pressures in morbidly obese patients compared to healthy controls.
- To determine if obese individuals exhibit enhanced respiratory muscle strength to overcome increased chest wall compliance.
Main Methods:
- Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were measured at specific lung volumes (residual volume, total lung capacity, functional residual capacity).
- Measurements were taken in 45 morbidly obese patients (mean weight 183% of predicted) and 25 healthy controls (mean weight 99% of predicted).
Main Results:
- Maximal respiratory pressures were not significantly different between obese patients and control subjects.
- Mean vital capacity and total lung capacity were similar in both groups.
- Obese patients did not demonstrate higher maximal respiratory pressures despite a less compliant chest wall.
Conclusions:
- Obese patients do not increase their capacity to generate maximal respiratory pressures.
- The respiratory system in obese individuals may not adapt with increased respiratory muscle strength to compensate for altered mechanics.