Assessment of respiratory muscle function

Assessment of respiratory muscle function.

In the last two decades, respiratory muscle function in patients has received considerable attention, particularly since ROUSSOS and MACKLEM [1] hypothesized that respiratory muscle fatigue may be responsible for the development of respiratory failure. Although subsequent research has hitherto largely failed to demonstrate the frequent occurrence of respiratory muscle fatigue [2], it is now cle...

Respiratory muscle assessment

Respiratory muscles generate the pressure differences driving ventilation. Respiratory muscle weakness is hence an important clinical feature. In advanced stages, respiratory muscle weakness leads to respiratory pump failure. Respiratory muscle dysfunction (i.e. reduced strength or endurance) is to be distinguished from lung function abnormalities, and should be measured separately. Inspiratory...

Respiratory muscle function in infants.

In newborns and infants a variety of respiratory disorders lead to ventilatory failure. In early life the ventilatory response to loaded breathing is limited. The risk factors of ventilatory failure are related to the developing respiratory pump because of the immaturity of the chest wall, respiratory muscles and coupling between thoracic and abdominal movements. Assessment of respiratory muscl...

Respiratory muscle assessment in motor neurone disease.

In this issue, Hadjikoutis and Wiles correctly identify that respiratory failure is the commonest cause of death in Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and discuss the use of venous bicarbonate and chloride to assess respiratory function. The study’s finding that this domiciliary investigation can provide prognostic information regarding the respiratory status of MND patients is interesting, and it is ...

Assessment of Voice and Respiratory Function