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Central Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndrome

Description

Central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome is associated with sleep-related oxygen desaturation, caused by a breathing impairment. Patients will experience these episodes multiple times a night in concordance with periods of arousal which then result in light sleeping. If untreated, sufferers may experience hypertension of the heart, cardiac irregularities and heart failure. This disorder can also be referred to as obesity hypoventilation disorder when found in severely obese adults. In most cases this disorder is congenitally passed from parent to child. Consequently, it is most commonly diagnosed in children.

Diagnosis

This disorder is diagnosed in patients complaining of insomnia or excessive sleepiness. Patients will experience episodes of shallow or limited breathing. These symptoms cannot be the result of lung disease or skeletal problems. Episodes lasting longer than ten seconds are caused by frequent arousals due to irregular breathing. Other disorders may also be present in patients.

Treatment

Treatment usually requires the patient to use a respiratory machine when asleep. Patients are also encouraged to practice proper sleep hygiene which includes avoiding alcohol and caffeine, getting daily exercise and maintaining a normal time to sleep and wake-up. While such practices may help, the majority of sufferers will require medical attention to some degree.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.