Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Definition

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a condition in which severely overweight individuals fail to breathe rapidly or deeply enough, leading to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It often coexists with obstructive sleep apnea.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. OHS is primarily caused by excess body weight exerting pressure on the chest, impairing respiratory function.
2. Common symptoms include daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, and morning headaches.
3. OHS can lead to serious complications like pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated.
4. Weight loss is a key component of managing OHS, along with positive airway pressure therapy at night.
5. Pharmacological treatments may include the use of respiratory stimulants, but these are less common compared to lifestyle changes and mechanical ventilation.

Review Questions

• What are the primary causes of obesity hypoventilation syndrome?
• Name two common symptoms associated with OHS.
• How is obesity hypoventilation syndrome typically managed?

Related terms

Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

A disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep.

Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs, often a complication of conditions like OHS.

Positive Airway Pressure Therapy: A treatment method for sleep apnea and related disorders that uses air pressure to keep airways open during sleep.