Pulmonary aspects of obesity in critical care.

Critically ill obese patients have many challenging pulmonary problems. The first key is to understand pathophysiology in the pulmonary system related to obesity. Second, it is important to identify the altered physical assessments and diagnostics that occur because of the pulmonary pathophysiology of obesity. Lastly, one should be aware of medical and nursing intervention options that treat symptoms or pulmonary problems of obesity. This article summarizes pulmonary issues related to obesity in critical care.