Respiratory muscles: myths and secrets Musculatura respiratória: mitos e segredos

Why is it so important that pulmonologists are familiar with respiratory muscle assessment? Respiratory muscle weakness is associated with increased respiratory workload and reduced or interrupted (central or peripheral) neural stimulation. In healthy individuals (in whom central respiratory drive is normal), the respiratory muscle strength required in order to drive the respiratory system must be greater than the sum of the work imposed by the lungs, rib cage, and airways.(1) An imbalance between the respiratory workload and respiratory muscle strength results in progressive respiratory muscle weakness, which can progress to alveolar hypoventilation and respiratory failure depending on its severity. I