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Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome
Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome is a specific group of
Obesity is an abnormal increase in the amount of fat cells
in the body compared to the amount of other types of cells.
The signs and 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.
FEATURED BOOK: The Obesity Epeidemic: What Caused It, How Can We Stop It
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.
"Where Medical Information is Easy to Understand"™
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."
