E66: Obesity

E66.2: Extreme obesity with alveolar hypoventilation

Extreme obesity with alveolar hypoventilation, coded under ICD-10 E66.2, is a medical condition characterized by severe overweight or excess body fat, resulting in inadequate ventilation in the tiny air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli. The critical feature is not just the presence of obesity, but also a disproportionately low rate of breathing or hypoventilation. As a result, the body may struggle to get rid of carbon dioxide and to deliver enough oxygen needed for healthy functioning. The primary symptoms may include shortness of breath, morning headaches, disturbed sleep, and daytime sleepiness. As the disease develops, affected individuals may experience cardiovascular complications, such as chest pain and high blood pressure, due to the lack of oxygen. This condition may put extra stress on different body organs, making the management of other diseases more challenging.