Obesity and the lung: 3. Obesity, respiration and intensive care

Thorax. 2008 Oct;63(10):925-31. doi: 10.1136/thx.2007.086835.

Abstract

Obesity is a major problem from a public health perspective and a difficult practical matter for intensivists. The obesity pandemic has required treating clinicians to develop an appreciation of the substantial pathophysiological effects of obesity on the various organ systems. The important physiological concepts are illustrated by focusing on obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, abdominal compartment syndrome and ventilatory management of the obese patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Compartment Syndromes / etiology
  • Compartment Syndromes / therapy
  • Critical Care
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome / etiology
  • Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome / therapy
  • Respiration Disorders / etiology*
  • Respiration Disorders / therapy
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / therapy
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / etiology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy