Ventilatory disorders are one of the common mechanisms causing acute respiratory failure, often with diverse causes and mostly from neuromuscular diseases. To treat acute respiratory failure, in addition to correcting existing ventilation disorders, doctors also need to follow a general protocol including pleural drainage, airway clearance, tracheostomy, endotracheal intubation, ...

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS; Pickwickian syndrome) is defined as the presence of reduced alveolar flow while awake (arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure [PaCO2] > 45 mmHg) in an obese person (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) in the absence of other conditions associated with alveolar hypoventilation (eg, neuromuscular disease)."

The upper respiratory system includes the nose, pharynx, throat, sinuses, and larynx, which are responsible for taking in air from outside the body, warming it, and filtering it before it enters the lungs. Meanwhile, the trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, pleura, and lungs of the lower respiratory system are responsible for filtering air and exchanging gases. Therefore, each part has certain functions.