What is hypercapnia and how does it manifest itself? Obstructive sleep apnea and depression (literature review) What is hypercapnia

Hypercapnia is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood; poisoning caused by carbon dioxide.

With hypercapnia in the blood, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide increases, which leads to a shift in the acid-base state (ABC) of the blood to the acidic side, that is, to the development of respiratory acidosis. As a result, adaptive reactions are launched in the body aimed at correcting acid-base balance.

Against the background of hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis, breathing becomes deeper and more frequent, which causes an increase in the minute volume of breathing and helps to lower the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, returning the acid-base balance to normal.

Causes

The causes of hypercapnia are varied; they are divided into several large groups:

1. Disturbances in the mechanics of respiratory movements in certain pathological conditions [botulism, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, use of muscle relaxants, Pickwick's syndrome, morbid obesity, fractures of the sternum and (or) ribs, scoliosis, severe pneumosclerosis].
2. Inhibition of the respiratory center in the brain stem (with the use of narcotic analgesics and general anesthetics, circulatory arrest, damage to the central nervous system, prolonged oxygen inhalation).
3. Gas exchange disorders in the lung tissue (with Hamman-Rich disease, pneumothorax, Mendelssohn syndrome, respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary edema, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute pneumonia).

Hypercapnia can develop when forced to spend a long time in a closed room without ventilation.

Hypercapnia is most dangerous for newborns and children in the first months of life. It can cause the development of severe neurological disorders.

Kinds

According to the nature of hypercapnia, it can be:

• acute;
• chronic.

Depending on the reason:

• endogenous – caused by internal causes (primary disease);
• exogenous - caused external factors(for example, staying in a stuffy room).

Signs

Clinically, hypercapnia can manifest as a slow increase in symptoms over a long period of time, and sometimes develops at lightning speed.

Signs of hypercapnia:

• rapid breathing (tachypnea);
• feeling of lack of air;
• excitement, followed by depression of consciousness;
• marbling of the skin, which then turns into pronounced cyanosis;
• participation in the act of breathing of auxiliary muscles;
• promotion blood pressure and tachycardia, which, as the condition worsens, are replaced by hypotension and bradycardia;
• increased sweating (hyperhidrosis);
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• headache, dizziness;
• decreased performance;
• convulsive seizures.

Features of hypercapnia in children

In children, hypercapnia develops much faster and is more severe than in adults. This is explained by the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the child’s body, such as:

• narrowness of the respiratory passages - accumulations of mucus and swelling of the mucous membrane against the background of even minor inflammation can lead to a violation of their free patency;
• underdevelopment and weakness of the respiratory muscles;
• the ribs extend from the sternum almost at a right angle, which limits excursion (mobility) chest in the act of breathing.

Features of hypercapnia in pregnant women

In pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, any breathing disorders can cause rapidly developing hypercapnia, which is associated with the following features:

• oxygen consumption during pregnancy increases by 20-23%;
• the type of breathing changes to the chest, the abdominal muscles cease to play the role of auxiliary respiratory muscles;
• there is a high standing of the diaphragm caused by the growing uterus, which prevents deepening of inspiration when the need arises.

Diagnostics

The primary diagnosis of hypercapnia is based on an analysis of the clinical picture. To confirm the diagnosis, as well as clarify the severity of respiratory failure, a study of the acid-base state of the blood is performed. Diagnostic signs hypercapnia:

• increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide - over 45 mm Hg. Art. (norm – 35–45 mm Hg);
• decrease in blood pH - less than 7.35 (normal - 7.35–7.45);
• an increase in bicarbonate content in the blood, which is compensatory in nature.

Hypercapnia can develop when forced to spend a long time in a closed room without ventilation.

The carbon dioxide content in exhaled air is also analyzed using a capnograph.

Treatment

Therapy for hypercapnia is aimed at eliminating the cause that caused it.

If symptoms of hypercapnia appear after staying in a stuffy room, it is enough to go outside or ventilate the room: this quickly leads to an improvement in the patient’s condition.

Treatment of hypercapnia due to inflammatory diseases respiratory organs requires appointment antibacterial agents, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs.

In case of hypercapnia caused by an overdose of narcotic analgesics, the administration of a specific antidote, Nalorphine, is indicated.

In acute hypercapnia, the patient is given humidified oxygen to breathe through nasal catheters or a face mask. In case of severe general condition The patient is decided on the issue of intubation and transfer to artificial ventilation.

Prevention

To prevent hypercapnia, it is necessary to:

• regularly ventilate the premises;
• spend time outdoors;
• promptly treat diseases that can lead to the development of breathing disorders;
• stop smoking and drug use.

Consequences and complications

Hypercapnia is most dangerous for newborns and children in the first months of life. It can cause the development of severe neurological disorders, including:

• epilepsy;
• cerebral palsy;
• delayed psychomotor development.

Long-term hypoxia in adults can lead to hypertensive crisis, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction.

It is well known how oxygen deficiency and excess carbon dioxide have equally bad effects on human health. The supply of oxygen to the body must be regular and in the required quantity. A disruption in the supply of oxygen and a decrease in its level in the body is called hypoxemia. The accumulation of carbon dioxide leading to hypoxia is called hypercapnia. Hypercapnia and hypoxemia are important symptoms of respiratory failure (RF), often occurring simultaneously.

There are two types of ODN:

• hypercapnic, caused by excess carbon dioxide;
• hypoxemic, caused by oxygen deficiency.

Both types of respiratory failure must be considered separately from each other, since each of them is individual.

Hypercapnia is an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the human circulatory system.

- this is a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood ().

The mechanism of oxygen transport through the bloodstream to tissues has been known since school. Transport is carried out in which O2 is bound to hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin delivers oxygen to tissues and organs and becomes reduced, that is, capable of attaching any chemical compound, including carbon dioxide. And in the tissues at this time there is carbon dioxide, which enters the lungs with venous blood and is removed from the body. attaches CO2, thus turning into carbohemoglobin, which in the lungs breaks down into hemoglobin and carbon dioxide, which is removed from the body when exhaled.

Gas exchange according to this scheme occurs when the ratio of O2 and CO2 in the body is optimal: when a person inhales, he absorbs air enriched with oxygen, and when he exhales, he releases it saturated with carbon dioxide.

When the air is depleted of O2 and CO2 accumulates in the body, hemoglobin, adding carbon dioxide, delivers it to the tissues, causing hypoxia, that is, oxygen starvation. Hypercapnia and hypoxemia in this case cause ARF. Both of these phenomena, together with hypoxia, are considered inextricably from each other.

Hypoxia

According to the method of occurrence, oxygen deficiency in the body is divided into two groups: exogenous and endogenous:

• Exogenous hypoxia occurs due to a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the surrounding air, which results in a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. This is especially pronounced when flying at high altitude, during mountain hikes, when diving greater depth, as well as when inhaling heavily polluted air.
• Endogenous hypoxia associated with pathology of the respiratory organs and circulatory system.

There are 4 groups of hypoxia:

1. respiratory, when there is insufficient ventilation of the lungs that occurs after injury, depression of the respiratory center, after various diseases, for example, pneumonia, COPD, and inhalation of toxic substances;
2. circulatory, occurring during acute and chronic failure circulatory system caused by;
3. tissue, which occurs during intoxication;
4. blood, as a result of a decrease in red blood cells in the blood, which is determined by anemia of various origins.

A complex form of hypoxia is characterized by bluish skin, tachycardia, and hypotension, which often leads to death.

Hypercapnia

The development of hypercapnia is influenced by changes in the ratio of pulmonary ventilation and the accumulation of carbon dioxide in tissues and blood. Fine this indicator is no more than forty-five millimeters of mercury.

Reasons for the development of hypercapnia:

• gas exchange disorder caused by disease respiratory system or forced holding of breath to relieve pain syndrome inside the chest;
• suppression of the function of the respiratory center and changes in breathing regulation due to injuries, tumors, intoxication;
• decreased muscle tone thoracic because of pathological changes;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
• violation of the acid-base balance in the body;
• infectious diseases of the respiratory system;
• chronic vascular disease with cholesterol deposition on their walls;
• occupational diseases in people whose working conditions involve inhaling polluted air;
• inhalation of oxygen-depleted air.

Symptoms of hypercapnia:

• insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day;
• dizziness and headaches;
• nausea and vomiting;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• labored breathing;

A rapid increase in the level of CO2 in the blood causes coma, which leads to.

Severity of hypercapnia:

• Moderate– accompanied by euphoria, increased sweating, redness of the skin, changes in breathing, increased blood pressure, and insomnia.
• Deep– characterized by increased excitability of the nervous system, increased intracranial pressure, shallow breathing, difficulty urinating, and tachycardia.
• Acidotic coma– aggravated by the lack of consciousness and reflexes, pronounced cyanosis, which in the absence medical care leads to death.

Impaired oxygen saturation of the blood in the lungs causes hypoxemia. The main indicator that is used to determine oxygen deficiency is partial tension. Its normal value should not be below eighty millimeters of mercury.

The causes of hypoxemia may be the following:

• decreased ventilation in the alveoli of the lungs when the oxygen content in the inhaled air is very low;
• violation of the ratio of ventilation volume to blood flow volume, which occurs when chronic diseases lungs;
• shunting due to changes in the circulatory system and venous blood entering the left atrium;
• functional disorders in the capillary membrane.

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs in the lungs and tissues, but not all areas function equally. For example, with normal ventilation of some areas in the lungs, the supply of blood is worse, and in some areas the blood flow is excellent, but they are poorly ventilated and also do not participate in gas exchange. This leads to hypoxemia, which is associated with hypercapnia.

Changes in blood flow occur due to disease in other organs, especially the blood.

These disorders also lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood:

• bleeding;
• acute fluid loss;
• shock of various origins;
• vasculitis.

Symptoms of hypoxemia:

• blueness of the skin with severe manifestations of the disease, and pallor of the skin with minor changes;
• tachycardia, when the heart tries to help the body provide it with oxygen;
• hypotension;
• loss of consciousness.

Lack of oxygen in the blood causes memory impairment, decreased attention, insomnia, severe chronic fatigue. The serious impact of hypercapnia and hypoxemia on the human body is due to the special role of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Diagnostics

The basis of diagnosis is the patient’s complaints, his examination by the attending doctor and analysis of the examination results.

The examination of the patient's condition includes:

• blood test for gas ratio, that is, measuring the amount of O2 in the blood after treatment procedures;
• electrolyte analysis, which determines the presence of chronic diseases in the lungs;
• general blood test, reflecting the amount of hemoglobin;
• measuring blood levels using a unique device;
• X-rays to exclude bronchopulmonary diseases;
• ECG and heart to detect disturbances in its functioning and the presence of congenital anomalies.

Treatment

Treatment of hypercapnia and hypoxemia is carried out in parallel, but there is a difference in therapeutic measures. Any prescriptions for taking medications must be made by the attending physician. Experts recommend that while taking medications, laboratory research to control blood composition.

Treatment suitable for both conditions is:

• inhalation of a mixture of gases with a high content of O2, and sometimes pure oxygen (the treatment regimen is developed and monitored by the doctor, taking into account the origin of the disease);
• artificial ventilation, which is used even when the patient is in a coma;
• antibiotics, bronchodilators, diuretics;
• physical therapy, thoracic massage.

When treating hypoxia, the causes of its occurrence should be taken into account. Experts recommend starting therapy by eliminating these particular problems. It is recommended to minimize the influence of negative factors on the development of hypercapnia and hypoxemia.

Prevention

Hypercapnia and hypoxemia are quite unpleasant diseases for humans, so following simple rules will help prevent the active development of:

• walks every day for 2 hours;
• ban on active and passive smoking;
• competent diagnosis of heart and lung diseases;
• moderate physical activity;
• well-designed diet.

To prevent the development of hypercapnia, it is necessary to promptly treat diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, which are accompanied by respiratory failure.

Prevention of hypercapnia includes:

• organization of uninterrupted operation of equipment for divers, miners, astronauts and other professions associated with differences in temperature and pressure;
• keeping anesthesia machines in perfect condition;
• daily walks;
• ventilation of the premises, and, if necessary, additional ventilation.

Many times we have heard how harmful it is to be indoors with increased level carbon dioxide and how important it is to have a normal oxygen content in the air we breathe. At the same time, everyone knows that oxygen must enter the body uninterruptedly and in sufficient quantities, otherwise a decrease in oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) and the accumulation of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) lead to the development of a condition called hypoxia. And if hypoxia occurs, it is already clear that hypercapnia and hypoxemia also cannot be avoided, therefore they are considered universal symptoms of respiratory failure (RF).

There are two forms of acute respiratory failure: hypercapnic, caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, and hypoxemic form of ARF, when problems arise due to low oxygenation of arterial blood. Acute respiratory failure is characterized by both: an increased concentration of carbon dioxide and a low oxygen content, that is, both hypercapnia and hypoxemia, but they still need to be separated from each other and differentiated when choosing treatment methods, which, although, in principle, are similar, but may have their own characteristics.

A holy place is never empty

Hypercapnia is an increase in the level of carbon dioxide (CO 2) in the blood, hypoxemia is a decrease in the oxygen content (O 2) in the same place. How and why does this happen?

It is known that the transport of oxygen from the lungs with arterial blood is carried out by red blood cells (), where oxygen is bound (but not very tightly) to the chromoprotein (). Hemoglobin (Hb), which carries oxygen to the tissues (oxyhemoglobin), upon arrival at its destination, gives up O 2 and becomes reduced hemoglobin (deoxyhemoglobin), capable of attaching the same oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water. But since carbon dioxide is already waiting for it in the tissues, which needs to be delivered with venous blood to the lungs for removal from the body, hemoglobin takes it away, turning into carbohemoglobin (HbCO 2) - also a fragile compound. Carbohemoglobin in the lungs will break down into Hb, which can combine with oxygen received during inhalation, and carbon dioxide, intended for removal from the body during exhalation.

These reactions can be schematically represented in the form of chemical reactions, which the reader may well remember from school lessons:

• Hb (in red blood cells) + O 2 (comes with inhalation with air) → HbO 2 – the reaction occurs in the lungs, the resulting compound is sent to the tissues;
• HbO 2 → Hb (deoxyhemoglobin) + O 2 – in tissues that receive oxygen for respiration;
• Hb + CO 2 (waste, from tissues) → HbCO 2 (carbohemoglobin) – in the tissues, the formed carbohemoglobin is sent to the small circle for gas exchange and oxygen enrichment;
• HbCO 2 (from tissues) → to the lungs: Hb (free to receive oxygen) + CO 2 (removed with exhalation);
• Hb + O 2 (from inhaled air) – new cycle.

However, it should be noted that everything works out so well when there is enough oxygen, there is no excess carbon dioxide, everything is fine with the lungs - the body breathes clean air, the tissues receive everything they should, they do not experience oxygen starvation, the CO 2 formed in the process of gas exchange is safely leaves the body. The diagram shows that reduced hemoglobin (Hb), without having strong bonds, is always ready to attach any of the components (whatever comes across, it attaches). If at that moment there is less oxygen in the lungs than hemoglobin can take (hypoxemia), and there is more than enough carbon dioxide (hypercapnia), then it will take it (CO 2) and carry it to the tissues with arterial blood (arterial hypoxemia) instead expected oxygen. Reduced tissue oxygenation is a direct path to the development of hypoxia, that is, oxygen starvation of tissues.

Obviously, it is difficult to separate symptoms such as hypoxia, hypercapnia and hypoxemia - they underlie the development of acute respiratory failure and determine clinical picture ONE

Close relations

Various causal factors can lead tissues to oxygen starvation, however, given the inextricable connection between hypoxia, hypercapnia and hypoxemia, it is advisable to consider these categories without separating them from each other, then the reader will understand what follows from what.

So, hypoxia, based on its origin, is divided into two groups:

Severe form of hypoxia easy to distinguish by such signs as convulsions and loss of consciousness are possible, which is fraught with the rapid development of cardiovascular failure, which, if the root cause is not immediately eliminated, can just as quickly lead to the death of the patient.

Excessive accumulation makes this gas harmful to the body

The development of hypercapnia is based on a violation of the relationship between alveolar ventilation and the accumulation of CO 2 in tissues and blood (HbCO 2) (the indicator of this accumulation is PaCO 2, which normally should not exceed 45 mm. rt. Art.).

The following circumstances lead to hypercapnia:

• Ventilation disorders caused by a pathological condition of the respiratory organs (obstruction) or disorders formed by the patient himself when trying to reduce the tidal volume due to the depth of breathing, since inhalation causes additional painful sensations(chest injuries, organ surgeries abdominal cavity and etc.);
• Inhibition of the respiratory center and dysregulation as a result (injuries, tumors, cerebral edema, destructive changes in brain tissue, poisoning with certain drugs);
• Weakening of the muscle tone of the chest as a result of pathological changes.

Thus, the causes of hypercapnia include:

1. COPD;
2. Acidosis;
3. Infections of the bronchopulmonary system;
4. Professional activities (bakers, steelworkers, divers);
5. Air pollution, prolonged stay in unventilated areas, smoking, including passive smoking.

Figure: indoor carbon dioxide levels and effects on humans

Signs of increased carbon dioxide concentration in the blood:

1. Heart rate increases;
2. The problem is falling asleep at night, but drowsiness during the day;
3. Dizzy and headache;
4. Nausea, sometimes to the point of vomiting;
5. Intracranial pressure increases, and cervical edema may develop;
6. Blood pressure tends to rise;
7. Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath);
8. Chest pain.

With a rapid increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, there is risk of developing hypercapnic coma, which, in turn, threatens respiratory and cardiac arrest.

Factors inhibiting oxygenation

The basis of hypoxemia is a disorder of oxygen saturation of arterial blood in the lungs. You can find out that the blood in the lungs is not oxygenated by such an indicator as the partial tension of oxygen (PaO 2), the values ​​of which normally should not fall below 80 mm. rt. Art.

The reasons for decreased blood oxygenation are:

• Alveolar hypoventilation, resulting from the influence various factors, first of all, a lack of oxygen in the inhaled air, which leads to its decrease in the alveoli and leads to the development of exogenous hypoxia;
• Disorder of ventilation-perfusion ratios, arising from chronic lung diseases - this is the most common causative factor in the development of hypoxemia and respiratory hypoxia;
• Shunting from right to left in case of circulatory disorders and venous blood entering directly into left heart without visiting the lungs (heart defects) with the development of circulatory hypoxia;
• Violation of the diffusion abilities of the alveolar-capillary membrane.

So that the reader can imagine the role of the ventilation-perfusion relationship and the importance of the diffusion abilities of the alveolar-capillary membrane, the essence of these concepts should be clarified.

What happens in the lungs?

In the human lungs, gas exchange is ensured by ventilation and blood flow in a small circle, but ventilation and perfusion do not occur to the same extent. For example, certain zones are ventilated, but not provided with blood, that is, they do not participate in gas exchange or, conversely, in some areas the blood flow is preserved, but they are not ventilated and are also excluded from the gas exchange process (alveoli of the apex of the lungs). The expansion of zones not involved in gas exchange (lack of perfusion) leads to hypoxemia, which a little later will lead to hypercapnia.

Impairment of pulmonary blood flow results from various pathological conditions of vital organs and, first of all, the circulatory system, which become causes of hypoxemia:

The diffusion capacity of the alveolar-capillary membrane, depending on many parameters, can change its values ​​(increase and decrease) depending on the circumstances (compensatory and adaptive mechanisms during load, changes in body position, etc.). In young adults (over 20 years), it decreases naturally, which is considered a physiological process. Excessive reduction This indicator is observed in diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, edema, COPD, emphysema), which significantly reduce the diffusion capacity of ACM (gases cannot overcome long paths formed as a result of pathological changes, and blood flow is impaired due to a decrease in the number of capillaries). Due to such disturbances, the main signs of hypoxia, hypoxemia and hypercapnia begin to appear, indicating the development of respiratory failure.

Signs of decreased O2 in the blood

Signs of a decrease in oxygen can appear quickly (oxygen concentration drops, but the body tries to compensate for the loss on its own) or delay (against the background of chronic pathology of the main life support systems, the compensatory capabilities of which have already ended).

Symptoms of hypoxemia:

• Blueness of the skin (cyanosis). The color of the skin determines the severity of the condition, therefore, with a weak degree of hypoxemia, it usually does not reach cyanosis, but pallor, nevertheless, occurs;
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) – the heart tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen;
• Decreased blood pressure (hypotension);
• , if PaO 2 drops to very low values ​​(less than 30 mmHg)

A decrease in oxygen concentration in the blood, of course, leads to brain suffering with memory impairment, weakened concentration, sleep disorders (night apnea and its consequences), and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Slight difference in treatment

Hypercapnia and hypoxemia are so closely related that only a specialist who carries out it under the control of laboratory blood gas parameters can understand the treatment. Common features in the treatment of these conditions are:

1. Inhalation of oxygen (oxygen therapy), often a gas mixture enriched with oxygen (doses and methods are selected by the doctor taking into account the cause, type of hypoxia, and severity of the condition);
2. Mechanical ventilation (artificial pulmonary ventilation) - in severe cases in the absence of consciousness in the patient (coma);
3. According to indications - antibiotics, drugs that dilate the bronchi, expectorants medicines, diuretics.
4. Depending on the patient’s condition – exercise therapy, chest massage.

When treating hypoxia caused by a decrease in oxygen concentration or an increase in carbon dioxide content, we must not forget about the reasons that led to these conditions. If possible, they try to eliminate them or at least minimize the influence of negative factors.

Video: mini-lecture on hypoxia

Sometimes a noticeable disturbance in well-being is explained by completely natural factors that can be easily corrected. You just need to have information about them and their possible negative impact on a person. So, probably, each of us knows that in order to maintain vigor and efficiency, we need to systematically ventilate the room - breathe fresh air. Otherwise, hypercapnia may develop, let's clarify on this page “Popular about health” what this condition is, discuss its symptoms, treatment and causes.

The term hypercapnia refers to a condition in which the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body (in arterial blood, cells and tissues) increases abnormally. Some doctors compare this disorder to carbon dioxide poisoning.

Hypercapnia - causes

There are two main factors that can cause the development of hypercapnia. In general, this condition can be endogenous or exogenous.
Thus, hypercapnia occurs when carbon dioxide gas increases in the environment. If a person breathes such air for a long time, the volume of CO2 in his blood increases.

Endogenous development of this disorder is also possible. In such a situation, hypercapnia is explained by the occurrence of some painful changes in the body, which are complemented by respiratory failure syndrome.

In any case, hypercapnia is closely related to hypoxia, in which the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases and oxygen starvation of the body develops, as well as respiratory acidosis.

Doctors say that respiratory or gas acidosis should be considered as primary hypercapnia. With such a pathological condition, the acid-base balance in the human body is disrupted, which is explained by an increase in the level of carbon dioxide and is complemented by a violation of the pH level.

The endogenous form of hypercapnia can be observed in a variety of pathological conditions, for example, with damage to the brain stem (due to injury, stroke, cancer or inflammation), pathologies spinal cord and muscle tissue dystrophy. Also, a similar disorder is often observed in patients faced with. Hypercapnia can develop due to an overdose of certain drugs, due to myasthenia gravis, various chest deformities, severe obesity and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases.

The causes of hypercapnia during normal functioning of the body include inhalation of carbon monoxide during fires, when diving to significant depths (diving), during prolonged stay in small and enclosed spaces, as well as in the event of a technical failure in the functioning of special medical equipment during surgical interventions. under general anesthesia.

Hypercapnia - symptoms

Hypercapnia can be either acute or chronic. In the first case, the patient experiences noticeable redness of the skin and is bothered by shortness of breath, headaches and dizziness. Blood pressure increases, chest pain, excessive drowsiness and nausea occur. Symptoms of hypercapnia also include a slightly rapid pulse, convulsions and confusion. In the absence of adequate correction, the patient's respiratory rhythm is noticeably disturbed - he breathes rarely and shallowly, the skin begins to turn blue, and sweating increases. Acidotic coma may develop and death may occur.

If hypercapnia is chronic, it makes itself felt by the occurrence of constant fatigue and respiratory rhythm disturbances. Patients with this problem are characterized by a particularly unstable neuropsychic state (instead of excitement, depression can suddenly set in and vice versa). Shortness of breath and a significant decrease in performance are also possible.

If a person spends a long time in a space with an increased level of carbon dioxide in the air, his body tries to increase breathing movements, normalize blood acidity, etc.

Hypercapnia - treatment

As first aid, the patient must ensure sufficient oxygen supply. It can be taken out into the fresh air. In particularly severe situations, doctors may perform tracheal intubation, and in some cases oxygen therapy may be used. If the patient falls into an acidotic coma, artificial ventilation is performed.

Most often, first aid measures are quite sufficient to correct hypercapnia of exogenous origin. If the disease has an endogenous etiology, then doctors first of all try to eliminate the underlying disease or reduce the severity of its symptoms, this allows the patient’s condition to be normalized.

Thus, systematic cleaning may be indicated for patients respiratory tract to remove viscous secretions. They may be given saline via a drip, which helps thin and eliminate bronchial secretions and also improves blood flow. Organizing the patient’s stay in a cool room with a sufficient level of humidity (more than 50%) also has an excellent effect. To eliminate respiratory acidosis, doctors use alkaline solutions, and to optimize alveolar ventilation they resort to bronchodilators and respiratory stimulants.

It is worth noting that severe hypercapnia can greatly harm the body and even cause death. Therefore, it must be diagnosed. Treatment of hypercapnia is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.