User:Mr. Ibrahem/Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a failure to breathe sufficiently in someone who is obese resulting in high blood carbon dioxide (CO2) levels during the day. Symptoms may include snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and shortness of breath. Complications may include heart failure, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary hypertension.

The cause is believed to generally involves a combination of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Diagnosis is based on finding a CO2 greater than 45 mmHg during the day together with a sleep study after ruling out other potential causes such as COPD. Other signs may include a SpO2 below 94% and a serum bicarbonate above 27 mEq/L.

Initial treatment is generally with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at night. Long term the most effective measure is weight loss, though this may require bariatric surgery to achieve. Weight loss of at least 25% may resolve the disorder. Without weight loss, life expectancy is shortened.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome affects about 4 per 1,000 people. The condition becomes more common with age. It was first clearly described in 1956 and known as "Pickwickian syndrome" in reference to a Dickensian character.