Impatto dell'aumento dell'obesità e dell'essere sovrappeso sulla difficoltà respiratoria: una revisione.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize and critically interpret new evidence (from the last 12-18 months) on the associations between obesity and breathlessness, including epidemiology, physiological mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and treatment approaches. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple large cohorts confirm that obesity is one of the strongest independent predictors of exertional breathlessness. Recent work has expanded the understanding of mechanical, metabolic, and ventilatory contributors to breathlessness in obesity. Novel spirometric and oscillometric data clarify small airway dysfunction and decreased lung compliance. Obesity-related cardiac loading could be an important and potentially trea