Studies on the Pulmonary Functions in Obesity

1.　The pulmonary functions in 144 obese patients is presented.

2.　The ventilatory functions are discussed on vital capacity, RV／TLC ratio, maximum bre—athing capacity, ventilation reserve, and timed vital capacity.

3.　The impaired ventilatory functions is classified into 4 types and the percentage in every types of impairment found in various degrees of obe—sity is discussed.

4.　It is concluded that the obesity is one of the important factor to cause the restrictive im—pairment of ventilatory functions.

5.　The impaired alveolar functions are discussed on the gas distribution curve, the oximeter rate and the relationship between both curves.

6.　Significant uneven alveolar ventilation ac—compaying dominant slow spaces, and low ar—terial 0₂ saturation are found in cases of advanced obesity.

7.　Considerations on the physiological course of develompent to the characteristic cardiopulmo—nary syndrome found in the extreme obesity are presented.