Légzéscsökkenés

Légzéscsökkenés, also known as hypoventilation, is a medical condition characterized by breathing that is too shallow or too slow to meet the body's needs. This leads to an inadequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When hypoventilation occurs, the body cannot expel enough carbon dioxide, resulting in a buildup of this waste gas in the blood (hypercapnia), and concurrently, oxygen levels in the blood may decrease (hypoxemia).

Several factors can cause légzéscsökkenés. These include respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia, neuromuscular disorders that affect the muscles responsible for breathing (like muscular dystrophy or ALS), central nervous system disorders that impair the brain's control of breathing (such as stroke or brain injury), and certain medications, particularly opioids and sedatives, which can suppress respiratory drive. Obesity can also contribute by restricting lung expansion.

Symptoms of légzéscsökkenés can vary in severity but often include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion, and a bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis) in more severe cases. The diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, assessment of breathing patterns, and blood tests to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Treatment for légzéscsökkenés focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve mechanical ventilation to assist breathing, medications to stimulate breathing, or therapies to manage underlying respiratory or neurological conditions. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent serious complications, which can include respiratory failure, organ damage, and even death.