Central Alveolar Hypoventilation (CAH), also known as central sleep apnea, refers to a medical condition characterized by decreased ventilation in the alveoli of the lungs due to a defect in the central nervous system's control of respiration. This condition is typically seen during sleep, where inadequate ventilation causes an abnormal increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and a decrease in oxygen (O2) levels in the blood, leading to various respiratory and neurological symptoms.
Normally, an intricate mechanism governed by the brain, specifically the respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata, maintains a balance between the intake of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide during breathing. However, in individuals with CAH, this regulatory system fails to stimulate the muscles responsible for respiration efficiently, leading to hypoventilation and subsequent respiratory distress. As a result, the affected individual experiences shallow or infrequent breathing while asleep, potentially leading to prolonged pauses in breathing or apnea.
Symptoms associated with CAH may include excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, and episodes of awakening with shortness of breath. Additionally, since alveolar hypoventilation can lead to high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, individuals with CAH may develop secondary complications, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure.
Treatment options for individuals with central alveolar hypoventilation are focused on improving ventilation during sleep to minimize the build-up of carbon dioxide. This often involves the use of assisted ventilation methods such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), along with medications that aim to stimulate respiratory drive. In severe cases, when conservative treatments fail, some individuals may require tracheostomy or invasive ventilation methods to ensure adequate breathing
