Noninvasive Ventilation in Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: What Practitioners Need to Know?

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) is one of the complications of obesity. When compared to simple obesity and eucapnic obstructive sleep apnea, OHS is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Early detection and the start of the proper treatment are crucial in reducing the significant medical and societal loads this disorder causes. Sleep-disordered breathing is a major component of the sleep and awake hypercapnia, which characterizes OHS, and is effectively managed using positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. This article reviews the current approach to the management of OHS patients, both ambulatory patients and patients with decompensated respiratory failure using different modes of PAP.