Although asthma is generally overdiagnosed in overweight and obese individuals, when present, excess weight tends to markedly exacerbate the symptoms of dyspnea and respiratory distress.
It is therefore of interest to note that a study by Louis Philippe Boule and colleagues from the University of Laval, QC, published in the latest issue of Respiratory Medicine, reports marked improvement in respiratory symptoms following bariatric surgery.
This prospective study carefully evaluated 12 asthmatic patients with severe obesity before, 6 and 12 months after bariatric surgery to respiratory parameters in 11 severely obese patients with asthma, who served as control.
BMI decreased from 51.2 to 34.4 at 12 months, in the intervention group, and this fall in weight was associated with a marked improvement in PC(20) methacholine, FEV(1), FVC, FRC, FRC/TLC and ERV all improved (apologies to my lay readers - these are all standard measures in lung-function tests).
Asthma symptoms total scores were also significantly reduced with 10 patients being able to stop all asthma drugs.
No significant changes of these parameters from baseline were observed in asthmatic controls.
Thus, these findings show a consistent and dramatic impact of weight loss with bariatric surgery on airway responsiveness, lung volumes, and asthma severity.
Together with the well-known improvements in obstructive sleep apnea, this study certainly adds to the significant respiratory benefits of bariatric surgery for patients with severe obesity.
AMS
Freeman’s Village, Antigua
Boulet LP, Turcotte H, Martin J, & Poirier P (2012). Effect of bariatric surgery on airway response and lung function in obese subjects with asthma. Respiratory medicine PMID: 22326605
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In The News
February 17th, 2012 at 8:44 am
I suffer from asthma and years ago was warned of the dangers of sleep apnea.
Having lost the weight over 5 years ago has permitted me to throw away the meds, stay away from sleep apnea for good and become a very healthy 60 year old.
I have found the energy of my youth. I eat fresh fruits and vegetables everyday and follow your guidance Dr. Sharma. My wife and I have been on an incredible life journey since we found you.
All of this without any bariatric surgery.
Thanks Doc,
Pierre & Pierrette
Co-Founders of
Thee Quest For Perfect Health
February 17th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Hi Doc it sure is nice being a lay reader nad have technical terms explained even if they are only refered to as clinical terms. Thanks
February 18th, 2012 at 3:42 am
That’s counterintuitive, considering the fact that, according to population-level data, people with BMIs over 30 are less likely to die prematurely of respiratory disease and infections than normal weight people.