Hypoventilation
A reduction in the amount of air transported into the pulmonary alveoli by breathing, leading to hypercapnia (increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide).
Also called: Alveolar hypoventilation, Slow breathing, Under breathing, Respiratory depression.
Conditions associated with hypoventilation
The following conditions have been associated with hypoventilation in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Bethlem muscular dystrophy
Bethlem muscular dystrophy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and si...
Laminin subunit alpha 2-related congenital muscular dystrophy
Laminin subunit alpha 2-related congenital muscular dystrophy is a medical condition that may be associated wi...
Morimoto-Ryu-Malicdan neuromuscular syndrome
Morimoto-Ryu-Malicdan neuromuscular syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various sympto...
PURA-related severe neonatal hypotonia-seizures-encephalopathy syndrome
PURA-related severe neonatal hypotonia-seizures-encephalopathy syndrome is a medical condition that may be ass...
Postpoliomyelitis syndrome
Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy
Proximal spinal muscular atrophy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...
Synaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome
Synaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms an...
congenital myasthenic syndrome 20
Any congenital myasthenic syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the SLC5A7 gene....
mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 4a
A cerebrohepatopathy and a rare and severe form of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome characterized ...
mitochondrial complex IV deficiency, nuclear type 23
Any mitochondrial complex IV deficiency in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the COX11 gene....
multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 9b
A mitochondrial dysfunction syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the FDXR gene. It is c...
neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia and speech delay, with or without seizures
neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia and speech delay, with or without seizures is a medical condition t...
Tests providers may use to investigate hypoventilation
When investigating hypoventilation, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside hypoventilation
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Depression
Frequently experiencing feelings of being down, miserable, and/or hopeless; struggling to recover from these m...
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Muscle weakness
Reduced strength of muscles....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if hypoventilation is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom hypoventilation mean?
Hypoventilation is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. A reduction in the amount of air transported into the pulmonary alveoli by breathing, leading to hypercapnia (increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide).
Which conditions are associated with hypoventilation?
Hypoventilation has been reported in association with 13 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Bethlem muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4C, Laminin subunit alpha 2-related congenital muscular dystrophy, Morimoto-Ryu-Malicdan neuromuscular syndrome, PURA-related severe neonatal hypotonia-seizures-encephalopathy syndrome. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about hypoventilation?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.