Obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is also referred to as Pickwickian  syndrome. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, the obesity hypoventilation syndrome always occurs in overweigh or obese people as the name indicates. Quite often the two conditions coexist and they are difficult to be distinguished. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by incidents of heavy snoring and interrupted breathing, during sleep. In both obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome the individual does not breathe a sufficient amount of oxygen, while sleeping. The cause of obesity hypoventilation syndrome in not known. Perhaps a combination of the brain's inability to sustain proper breathing and the aftermath of excessive weight on the chest wall are involved. Apparently, the relevant muscles have difficulty to expand the chest enough and to exchange air efficiently. The consequence of this poor breathing is a condition called nocturnal hypoxemia or hypoxia. This is a decreased ability of the body to oxygenate the blood and eventually it leads to hypercapnia; the retention of carbon dioxide. Nocturnal hypoxemia if untreated, may lead to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heart beat and potential right-sighted heart failure.
Symptoms and signs of obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
People with obesity hypoventilation syndrome are usually very overweight. The main symptom of this condition is due to sleep deprivation and this is excessive daytime sleepiness which may occur at inappropriate times during the day. This, in turn, may result in an increased risk for accidents or errors at work. In addition, symptoms of chronic hypoxia also occur. These include shortness of breath, fatigue after minimal physical activity and cyanosis. The latest is a bluish coloration of the lips, fingers, toes or skin.
Swollen legs or feet may be a sign of right heart failure.
Treatment of obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
The treatment involves mechanical ventilation to help the person breathe through a mask that fits tightly over the nose or nose and mouth.
Apparently, weight loss may lead to reversal of the obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Prognosis and complications of obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
If untreated, obesity hypoventilation syndrome can be fatal. On the contrary, if treated, the condition is of a good prognosis. Apart from cardiovascular disease, obesity hypoventilation syndrome can lead to sexual dysfunction, irritability, agitation, depression and severe physical disability. |
