OBESITY HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME

Abstract

Alveolar hypoventilation is the main harm caused by obesity to the respiratory function. That means an inability of the respiratory aparatus to eliminating carbon dioxide as soon as it reaches the lung. So, it occurs hypercapnia (PaCO2> 45 mmHg)  together with equivalent  degree of hipoxemia (low PaO2). Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome means chronic alveolar hipoventilation in an obese patient (body mass index > 30 Kg/m2), without any other respiratory causes for gas exchange disturbance. This syndrome adds risk to the health condition and quality of life of the obese people, although it attacks a low percentage of them. One must exclude chronic obstructive lung disease and sleep apnea syndrome. Palliative treatment looks for the control of hypoxemia and hypercapnia, while ultimate treatment seeks eliminating obesity.