Primary Alveolar Hypoventilation
Primary Alveolar Hypoventilation Causes
Primary alveolar hypoventilation is a disease of unknown origin.
Primary Alveolar Hypoventilation Definition
Primary alveolar hypoventilation or primary alveolar hypoventilation syndrome is a respiratory disorder marked by difficulty in breathing and may tend to get worse when sleeping due to impairment in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the blood. The condition results to short periods of breathing cessation during nightly episodes of apnea and often occurs in people suffering from obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Primary Alveolar Hypoventilation Diagnosis
Chest x-ray and CT scan will reveal dense white patches on the lung cavity and help in ruling out other disorders of the lung. Pulmonary function test can help indicate small lung capacity.
Primary Alveolar Hypoventilation Symptoms and Signs
People with this syndrome usually experiences shortness of breath especially during exertion. Other symptoms may also be present including breathing difficulty even when at rest, cough that is non-productive, lethargy, sleeping disturbances, awakening from sleep irritated, and intermittent fever.
Primary Alveolar Hypoventilation Treatment
Lung washing is done when patient is resting comfortably under a general anesthesia. For cases of protein-rich fluid blocking the alveoli of the lungs, bronchoscopy can be carried out by washing this protein fluid with salt solution. Other helpful approaches in the treatment include oxygen therapy, breathing devices like ventilator, and medicines that can invigorate functioning of the respiratory system.