What does hypopnea refer to?

Hypopnea refers to periods of shallow or inadequate breathing that lead to a reduction in airflow, which often results in a significant drop in oxygen saturation, specifically by 4% or greater. This condition is commonly identified in sleep studies and is associated with sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

During hypopnea, the respiratory effort may still be present, but it is inadequate to sustain normal levels of oxygen in the blood. Recognizing hypopnea's definition is essential for understanding how it differs from other respiratory events. For instance, a complete cessation of breathing would be classified as apnea, not hypopnea, which specifically denotes shallow breathing rather than a total lack of breathing. Understanding these nuances is important for effective diagnosis and treatment in the field of obesity medicine and related disorders.