Hyperventilation Hypoxia CPAP

Hyperventilation hypoxia CPAP refers to a treatment for obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). OHS is often found concurrent with obstructive sleep apnea, but one does not require the other. OHS patients experience low oxygen saturation levels during the day and the night because of shallow breathing (hyperventilation) often related to obesity. Recommended treatment for OHS includes weight loss and CPAP nasal therapy while sleeping.

Nasal CPAP masks can help prevent hypoxia related to OHS.

When a person suffers from OHS and obstructive sleep apnea, they will find their daytime sleepiness increased due to high amounts of carbon dioxide in the blood. Too much carbon dioxide and a person will experience headaches, hypertension, depression and exhaustion (also known as CO2 narcosis). According to the WEBMD, these symptoms are all difficult to manage with medication.

Other effects of OHS include visual blurring when the optical disk swells and strain on the heart as it tries to pump fluids through. In debilitating cases, OHS can cause fluid to gather in the lungs and legs, increasing fatigue and decreasing the body’s tolerance for activity. Fluid in the lungs increases the shallowness of the breaths, creating a vicious circle.

If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Excessive weight gain can decrease the muscle strength in the chest and make it harder to take a deep breath. Regular exercise and a nutritionally-balanced diet can help a patient to lose weight, thus decreasing the pressure on the chest cavity and improving the overall functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments at night can help decrease the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood while increasing oxygen saturation. Sleep is improved with nasal CPAP treatments, decreasing daytime drowsiness and increasing levels of energy which promotes a healthier lifestyle. Hyperventilation hypoxia CPAP can help a patient lose the weight they need to lose to decrease their risks for recurring OHS. While CPAP treatments alone cannot cure obstructive sleep apnea, if the apnea is caused by excessive fat in the neck and soft tissue stretching, losing weight may decrease incidence and help the patient sleep more soundly.

Patients who experience OHS and OSA concurrently are at a greater risk for heart damage. Patients at severe risk may have bariatric surgery recommended as a way to expedite weight loss. In bariatric surgery, bands are placed around the stomach, reducing appetite and ‘forcing’ weight loss to occur. In those instances, a specialized diet is required for the rest of the patient’s life.

Most OHS patients are treated on an outpatient basis, but patients who are at severe risk due to levels of carbon dioxide in their blood and related issues (including liver damage) may be hospitalized for initial treatments. OHS is not something to treat lightly. If you suspect you have OHS with or without sleep apnea, you should contact a physician immediately. They will be able to properly diagnose OHS through tests eliminating other pulmonary causes including cancer and other diseases.

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