Final answer:
Obese patients face a greater risk of pulmonary complications due to increased pressure on the heart and lungs, systemic inflammation, and conditions like obstructive sleep apnea that compromise lung function.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is a greater risk for pulmonary complications in obese patients due to the increased strain on the body's organ systems and the effects of excess fat mass and increased numbers of fat cells. Obesity can lead to several negative health consequences, including an increased risk for pulmonary diseases. The additional body fat can aggravate lung diseases, leading to a range of symptoms and increasing the need for hospital admissions and emergency department visits due to respiratory issues.
Excess weight imposes additional pressure on the heart and lungs. The heart is forced to work harder to pump blood through the body, which may lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues that complicate pulmonary health. Moreover, an increase in the number of fat cells contributes to systemic inflammation, potentially affecting lung function and increasing the risk of pulmonary infections, such as pneumonia. The risk is exacerbated since obesity can lead to conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, further compromising lung function.