OHS

Medical abbreviation · Respiratory

OHS
Stands forObesity hypoventilation syndrome
CategoriesMedical

OHS stands for Obesity hypoventilation syndrome, a respiratory abbreviation.

Combination of obesity (BMI 30 or more) and elevated daytime carbon dioxide (PaCO2 of 45 mmHg or more) not explained by another lung, neuromuscular or metabolic disorder. Most patients also have obstructive sleep apnea and may develop right heart failure.

Example: BMI 52, daytime PaCO2 54, serum bicarbonate 33: OHS, nightly BiPAP and weight-loss referral.

Usage notes

A raised serum bicarbonate is a useful screening clue. Positive airway pressure, CPAP for many and bilevel for more severe hypoventilation, improves blood gases and reduces hospitalizations, and substantial weight loss can resolve the condition. It was once called Pickwickian syndrome, after a sleepy, overweight character in Charles Dickens's "The Pickwick Papers."

More respiratory abbreviations

  • MV – Mechanical ventilation
  • NC – Nasal cannula
  • NIPPV – Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
  • NIV – Noninvasive ventilation
  • NRB – Nonrebreather mask
  • NSIP – Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
  • OSA – Obstructive sleep apnea
  • P/F – PaO2/FiO2 ratio
  • PAH – Pulmonary arterial hypertension
  • PAP – Positive airway pressure
  • PE – Pulmonary embolism
  • PEEP – Positive end-expiratory pressure

See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.