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Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)

Alternative Names: Pickwickian syndrome Symptoms: The main symptoms of OHS are due to sleep deprivation, and include: Excessive daytime sleepiness Falling asleep at inappropriate times during the day Increased risk for accidents or errors at work Depression Text Continues Below Symptoms of chronic hypoxia (low blood oxygen level) can also occur, such as shortness of breath or fatigue after minimal physical effort. Signs and tests: Persons with OHS are usually extremely overweight. Physical signs that suggest OHS include: Cyanosis (bluish coloration of the lips, fingers, toes, or skin) Signs of right-side heart failure (cor pulmonale ) such as swollen legs or feet, shortness of breath, or feeling fatigued after little exertion. Tests done to confirm the diagnosis include: Sleep study Pulmonary function Arterial blood gas The presence of high carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood when a person is awake helps distinguish OHS from obstructive sleep apnea. References: Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000:2326-2328. Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc; 2004:221-223.

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