Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)

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Respiratory system

Pickwickian syndrome

The treatment involves mechanical ventilation to help the person breath. Options include:

• Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (BiPAP or other modes) through a mask that fits tightly over the nose or nose and mouth
• Mechanical ventilation through a tracheostomy (an incision in the neck)

Other therapies are aimed at weight loss, which may lead to reversal of the OHS.

Support groups may help patients with OHS, or their family members, adjust to the lifestyle changes that are required for successful treatment. In addition, support groups may provide information about new treatments that are developed.

When treated, OHS has a good prognosis. Untreated, it can lead to serious heart and blood vessel complications, severe disability or death.

Complications of OHS include complications of excessive sleepiness, such as:

• Increased risk for accidents
• Depression, agitation, irritability
• Sexual dysfunction

OHS may also include cardiovascular complications, such as

• Hypertension
• Cor pulmonale (right heart failure)

Call your health care provider if you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, or any other symptoms that suggest OHS.

Review Date: 08/10/2005
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.