Primary alveolar hypoventilation

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Respiratory system

Ondine's curse

Medications that stimulate the respiratory system may be used. Mechanical devices that assist breathing, particularly at night, may be helpful in some patients. Oxygen therapy may be helpful in some patients, but may produce worse night symptoms in others.

Response to treatment varies.

A possible complication is cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure).

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop. Bluish skin (cyanosis) may indicate an urgent need for treatment.

Review Date: 11/13/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.