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Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome
A specific group of symptoms that may accompany severe obesity. Obesity is an abnormal increase in the amount of fat cells in the body compared to the amount of other types of cells. The symptoms of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome often include shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, redness of the face, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the person does not breathe for periods of time while sleeping. Narcolepsy is a disorder in which people experience sudden attacks of sleepiness, muscle weakness, and visual or auditory hallucinations. A hallucination is a strong sensory perception that one has of an object or event while awake, when no such object or event exists.

When people have severe obesity, it is difficult to breathe in enough oxygen to adequately supply the entire body. Thus, people with severe obesity often have decreased oxygen in the blood. Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome is a very serious condition that can lead to death. Another serious complication is pulmonary hypertension, in which more blood than necessary is pumped to the lungs. Other possible complications include right-sided heart failure, abnormal enlargement of the heart, and congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is an imbalance in the pumping action of the heart that causes inadequate blood circulation.

The main goal of treatment is weight loss. This can be done through a diet and exercise program approved by a doctor. The typical diet recommended is one that is low in calories and fat, and high in nutrients. Provided the food meets these criteria, a moderate amount is typically permitted for consumption.

Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome is also known as pickwinian syndrome. Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome comes from the Latin word "obesus" meaning "swollen," the Greek word "hypo" meaning "under," the Latin word “ventilo” meaning “the wind,” the Greek word "syn" meaning "together," and the Greek word "dromos" meaning "course." Put the two words together and you get "swollen (and) the wind course together."

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