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Hypoventilation
Definition
Hypoventilation is too shallow or too slow breathing, which does not meet the needs of the body. It may also refer to reduced lung function.
If a person hypoventilates, the body's carbon dioxide level rises, which results in too little oxygen in the blood.
References
Shea SA, White DP. Disorders of ventilatory control. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 86.
Date Last Reviewed: 02/19/2009
Copyright: ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia
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