Hypoventilation may be caused by: • A medical condition such as
stroke affecting the
brainstem • Voluntary breath-holding or underbreathing, for example,
hypoventilation training or the
Buteyko method. •
Medication or drugs, typically when taken in accidental or intentional
overdose. Opioids are a well-known cause of drug-induced hypoventilation due to their depressant effects on the central respiratory centers. Recent studies have highlighted patterns of postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression that may help identify at-risk patients. •
Hypocapnia, which stimulates hypoventilation •
Obesity; see
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome •
Chronic mountain sickness, a mechanism to conserve energy. •
Paralyzing venom, such as that of the
blue ringed octopus.
Medications As a
side effect of medicines or
recreational drugs, hypoventilation may become potentially life-threatening. Many different
central nervous system (CNS)
depressant drugs such as
ethanol,
Antihistamines,
benzodiazepines,
barbiturates,
GHB,
sedatives, and
opioids produce respiratory depression when taken in large or excessive doses, or mixed with other depressants. Strong opiates (namely
fentanyl,
heroin, and
morphine),
barbiturates, and certain benzodiazepines (such as
alprazolam) are known for depressing respiration. In an overdose, an individual may cease breathing entirely (go into
respiratory arrest) which is rapidly fatal without treatment. Opioids, in overdose or combined with other depressants, are notorious for such fatalities. Nevertheless, appropriate use of opioids in the right setting, as seen in patients with advanced cancer or severe chronic non-malignant pain, have been shown to be helpful, when used under appropriate medical care and guidance. ==Treatment==