Obesity and Asthma

Posted on May 7, 2008 at 9:04 am.
Filed Under Health |

Researchers in New Zealand studied the lung function in asthmatic women with a range of body mass indexes (BMIs), and comparative difference in how the airways and lungs respond to a asthma attack in obese and non-obese individuals.

Findings suggest that the obesity can worsen the impact of asthma and may also mask its severity in standard tests. This direct link between obesity and the development of asthma is known as “dynamic hyperinflation” which means when air breathed into the lungs cannot be exhaled. Lung FRC (Functional Residual Capacity) will be higher than normal. This often occurs in patient with acute asthma, but is more frequent in obese individuals.

Photo Source: www.smh.com.au