hipoventiláció

Hypoventilation is a medical term describing a state where breathing is too shallow or slow to adequately oxygenate the blood or remove carbon dioxide. It means that the body is not getting enough air into the lungs with each breath, and consequently, not enough oxygen is being transferred to the bloodstream. At the same time, the body's ability to expel carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is also reduced. This leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, a condition known as hypercapnia, and a decrease in blood oxygen levels, or hypoxemia.

The causes of hypoventilation are diverse and can include a variety of medical conditions. Respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia can impair lung function. Neurological disorders affecting the brain's respiratory control centers, like stroke or brainstem lesions, can also lead to hypoventilation. Certain medications, particularly opioids and sedatives, can depress respiratory drive. Obesity, especially severe obesity, can put mechanical pressure on the lungs, making breathing more difficult. Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, is another significant cause.

Symptoms of hypoventilation can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause and duration. Common signs include shortness of breath, feeling tired or drowsy, confusion, headache, and a bluish tint to the skin or lips (cyanosis) in more severe cases. If left untreated, hypoventilation can lead to serious complications, including respiratory failure, brain damage due to lack of oxygen, and even death. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood gas analysis to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and potentially imaging tests or pulmonary function tests to identify the underlying cause. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause and improving ventilation.