Hypoventilation

Abstract

Alveolar hypoventilation results from a marked reduction in tidal volume or a considerable increase in physiologic dead space, either of which causes decreased arterial oxygen saturation and increased carbon dioxide retention.

Respiratory depressants, diseases of the central nervous system, diffuse obstructive emphysema, obesity, chest wall deformity, pleural thickening, and weakness of respiratory muscles are the chief causes of hypoventilation.

The use of oxygen therapy and dichlorophenamide has proved of benefit in treating chronic hypoventilation. Treatment of acute hypoventilation is based on improving oxygenation and alveolar ventilation and decreasing acidity.