The assessment and management of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome in obesity

Abstract

Obesity is associated with respiratory dysfunction. It is a key risk and contributory factor in the sleep related breathing disorders, obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). Weight management is an integral part of the management of these disorders, in addition to continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Untreated, these conditions are associated with a high disease burden and as treatment is effective, early recognition and referral is critical. Best practice in on-going care is multidisciplinary.

Keywords: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP); non-invasive ventilation (NIV); obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS); obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS); weight management.