Treatment options for obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Studies have shown that OHS can be treated effectively by following a controlled weight loss program1 and starting positive airway pressure or non-invasive ventilation (NIV).1 Your physician may also monitor your condition using the following:

  • An arterial blood gases test*
  • A lung function test
  • A polysomnography test (overnight sleep study)
  • Chest x-rays

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

For OHS, the aim of ventilation is to improve the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the air in your lungs2 and support your respiratory system so you don't need to work so hard to breathe effectively.3 Pressurised air is delivered from a small device that sits on your bedside table, to a mask that you wear over your mouth and/or nose. NIV is a common treatment option for OHS.1 ResMed's ventilation options to treat OHS are as follows: 

References

  • 01

    Storre JH, Seuthe B, Fiechter R, Milioglou S, Dreher M, Sorichter S, Windisch W. Average volume-assured pressure support in obesity hypoventilation: A randomised crossover trial. Chest 2006 Sep; 130(3): 815-21.

  • 02

    Olson AL, Zwillich C. The obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Am J Med 2005 Sep; 118(9): 948-56.

  • 03

    Nowbar S, Burkart KM, Gonzales R, Fedorowicz A, Gozansky WS, Gaudio JC, Taylor MR, Zwillich CW. Obesity-associated hypoventilation in hospitalised patients: prevalence, effects, and outcome. Am J Med 2004 Jan 1; 116(1): 1-7.

*This test measures the acidity, oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the blood in your arteries to see how well your lungs move oxygen into the blood, and carbon dioxide out of the blood.

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