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Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a condition in obese people in which poor breathing leads to lower oxygenand higher carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Causes

The exact cause of OHS is unknown. The condition is believed to result from both a defect in the brain's control over

breathing, and excessive weight (due to obesity) against the chest wall. This makes it hard for a person to take a deep

breath. As a result, the blood has too much carbon dioxide and not enough oxygen. People with OHS are often tired du

to sleep loss, poor sleep quality, and chronic low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia).

Most patients with the syndrome have a form of sleep apnea. Obesity is the main risk factor.

See also: Respiratory acidosis

Symptoms

The main symptoms of OHS are due to lack of sleep and include:

Daytime sleepiness

Depression

Headaches

Symptoms of low blood oxygen level (chronic hypoxia) can also occur, such as shortness of breath or feeling tired aftevery little effort.

Exams and Tests

People with OHS are usually very overweight. A physical exam may reveal:

Bluish color in the lips, fingers, toes, or skin (cyanosis)

Reddish colored skin

Signs of right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale), such as swollen legs or feet, shortness of breath, or feeling tire

after little effort

Tests used to help diagnose and confirm OHS include:

Arterial blood gas

Chest x-ray or CT scan to rule out other possible causes

Lung function tests (pulmonary function tests)

Sleep study (polysomnography)

Doctors can tell OHS from obstructive sleep apnea because patients with OHS have high carbon dioxide levels in the

blood when awake.

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Treatment

The treatment involves breathing assistance using special machines (mechanical ventilation). Options include:

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (BiPAP or other modes) through a mask that fits tightly over the nose or nos

and mouth (mainly for sleep)

Breathing help through an opening in the neck (tracheostomy)

Oxygen

Other treatments are aimed at weight loss, which can reverse OHS.

Support Groups

Support groups can help patients with OHS, or their family members, adjust to the lifestyle changes needed for

treatment to be successful. Also, support groups can offer information about new treatments.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Untreated, it can lead to serious heart and blood vessel problems, severe disability, or death. Chronic sleeping problem

may also increase the chance of having a motor vehicle accident.

Possible Complications

Complications of OHS have to do with a lack of sleep, such as:

Depression, agitation, irritability

Increased risk for accidents or mistakes at work

Sexual dysfunction

OHS can also cause heart problems, such as:

Hypertension

Right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale)

Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you are very tired during the day, or have any other symptoms that suggest OHS.

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.

Alternative Names

Pickwickian syndrome

References

Malhotra A. Disorders of ventilatory control. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:

Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 86.

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Tzelepis GE, McCool FD. The lungs and chest wall diseases. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et al, eds.

Murray and Nadels Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 88.

Duffin J, Phillipson EA. Hypoventilation and hyperventilation syndromes In: Mason RJ, Broaddus CV, Martin TR, et al.

Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 78.

Update Date: 8/30/2012

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine,

University of Washington School of Medicine. Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of

Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,

MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.

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