Primary alveolar hypoventilation Primary alveolar
hypoventilation is a rare disorder of unknown cause in which a
person does not take enough breaths per minute. The lungs and
airways are normal. Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normally, when the oxygen levels in the blood are low or the
carbon dioxide levels are high, there is a signal from the brain
to breathe more deeply or more quickly. In people with primary
alveolar hypoventilation, this change in breathing does not
happen. The cause of primary alveolar hypoventilation is
unknown. Some patients have a specific genetic defect. The
disease mainly affects men 20 to 50 years old, although it may
also occur in young boys. Symptoms are usually worse during
sleep, and periods of apnea (episodes of stopped breathing) are
usually present. Often patients themselves do not complain of
shortness of breath during the day. - Bluish coloration of the
skin caused by lack of oxygen - Daytime drowsiness - Morning
headaches - Swelling of the ankles - Waking up from sle