Nutrition for Respiratory Conditions
There are multiple goals for providing nutritional care to individuals with compromised respiratory or pulmonary function. It is very important to meet nutritional requirements in order to preserve muscle mass, maintain strength and therefore, improve overall respiratory function.
Individuals who have a tendency to retain carbon dioxide as a result of their respiratory disease may benefit from a nutritional formula that is lower in carbohydrate than other standard enteral formulas. Caregivers of individuals with respiratory conditions should check with a healthcare professional to determine if a specialized formula may be appropriate.