Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: What Is It? How Is It Treated? Is There a Cure?

Abstract

Abstract

The literature is reviewed in order to define and describe obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), including a brief history of the origin of this diagnosis. Comorbidities related to OHS are discussed, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is found in up to 90% of cases. Treatment is then discussed, including the potential of a cure for OHS with a large weight loss (although this would not cure OSA). Large weight loss can be obtained through lifestyle dietary and exercise changes or through bariatric surgery. Those patients who do not lose large amounts of weight are treated with positive airway pressure.