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Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS)

What is Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome?

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare genetic condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the body that controls things we do not have to think about, like breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, digestion and sweating.

CCHS makes it hard for a person’s body to breathe deeply enough or often enough, especially during sleep. In most people, the brain automatically tells the body when to breathe. In people with CCHS, that message does not always get through.

Congenital means the condition is present at birth. Central refers to the brain, which is the control center for breathing. Hypoventilation means not breathing enough to get the right balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Last Updated 05/2025

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