Primary Alveolar Hypoventilation

Starting to breathe insufficiently during sleep, without any obstruction of the airway, may be due to primary alveolar hypoventilation, a disorder in which the automatic control of breathing does not work as it should, especially while sleeping.

Which specialist treats it? It usually requires the attention of the pulmonologist, sometimes with initial support from the general practitioner who guides the first studies.

Frequent symptoms: Daytime fatigue, headache upon waking, drowsiness and, in children, sleep disturbances that catch the attention of family members may be noticed.

When to seek care? It's advisable to seek care when there are breathing pauses or persistent fatigue without a clear explanation. A professional review allows a better understanding of what is happening and rules out other causes.