[Obesity and respiratory tract disorders]

Abstract

Introduction: Although in the shade of metabolic and cardiovascular complications, respiratory tract disorders are very frequent and are predominant in extremely obese subjects with body mass index (BMI > 4O kg/m2), most often of gynoid type.

Classification of disorders: These disorders can be classified into four groups: 1. Respiratory function disorders without alveolar hypovenitilation, 2. Pickwickian syndrome, 3. Sleep apnea syndrome and 4. Risks during surgical interventions.

Conclusion: This study includes detailed discussion of mechanisms of origin, pathophysiologic characteristics and clinical signs of each of these disorders and at the end a review of their treatment.