What is Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome?
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), also known as Pickwickian syndrome, is a breathing disorder that affects some people who have obesity. It causes them to have too much carbon dioxide and not enough oxygen in their blood. This leads to a condition called hypercapnia. When you’re breathing at a rate lower than normal, you’re not taking in and expelling out enough air out of your lungs. This is called hypoventilation. This condition requires treatment and if untreated; can lead to life-threatening health problems.
Causes of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome
The cause of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) is not fully understood but it may be due to a combination of several factors, including:
- A brain defect that causes you to be unable to correctly manage your breathing
- Extra fat on the chest, neck, or across the abdomen can make it difficult to breathe deeply and fast enough
- Extra fat on the neck, chest, or across the abdomen may release certain hormones that affect the body’s breathing patterns.
Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Symptoms
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome symptoms occur due to lack of sleep and low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood. The indications of this condition may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Poor sleep quality
- Sleep apnea
- Daytime sleepiness
- Lack of energy
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Depression
In addition to the above symptoms, a person may often snore loudly, choke or gasp during sleep, or have trouble breathing at night which may get worse over time and can cause serious life-threatening conditions if not treated on time.
Conclusion
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is a severe respiratory complication in people with obesity. If you have obesity, breathing problems, or any sleep issues then it is advisable to reach out to a healthcare provider for help. They can suggest efficient ways to deal with breathing problems. If a person is diagnosed with OHS, then they should consult the healthcare provider for the correct treatment plan. With early diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of OHS can go away completely. This can prevent any life-threatening complications. Health insurance can cover diagnostic tests such as sleep studies and pulmonary function tests, which are crucial for identifying obesity hypoventilation syndrome early.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.