Pickwickian syndrome (severe obesity)

About Pickwickian syndrome (severe obesity)

Severe obesity makes it hard to expand the lungs. Patients are unable to breathe deeply enough to get enough oxygen. It is common for severely obese people to have low oxygen levels (hypoxia) especially at night. The hypoxia can result in heart damage and heart failure.

Symptoms

Excessive daytime sleepiness, falling asleep during the day, increased risk for accidents or mistakes at work, depression, shortness of breath, fatigue leg swelling (edema).

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to confirm the disorder include: Sleep study, lung (pulmonary) function, and an arterial blood gas.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Troponin, X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

The treatment involves improving the breathing effort and the options include: supplemental oxygen, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (BiPAP or CPAP), weight loss.

Medical specialties

Pulmonology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Pickwickian syndrome (severe obesity).