Hypercapnia

Under hypercapnia (from Greek ὑπέρ " about" and καπνός " fumes, smoke, gas " ) refers to an increased carbon dioxide concentration in the blood.

This can be defined via the partial pressure; the normal value ( carbon dioxide partial pressure in human blood ) is 40 mmHg for Arterialblut. From a value of about 45 mmHg is called hypercapnia. There are people who have a permanent hypercapnia by a chronic reduction in function of their breathing and are adapted to it. From a value of about 60 mm Hg, there is an increasing CO2 anesthesia.

The level of this pressure is determined by two factors:

An increased production of carbon dioxide can be " breathed out " usually, unless there are pathological circumstances exist (eg, decreased compliance). The increased carbon dioxide partial pressure results mainly in respiratory acidosis.

The antonym to hypercapnia, so too low carbon dioxide content of the blood is referred to as hypocapnia.

Causes

Cause of hypercapnia is usually a so-called global failure arises due to alveolar hypoventilation, pulmonary diffusion disorder, pulmonary distribution of ventilation failure or malfunction. The hypercapnia produced but also by a metabolic alkalosis or inhalation strongly carbon dioxide- air ( from 8 to 10 percent by volume, there is a carbon dioxide poisoning).

Symptoms

Initially there is a reddening of the skin, muscle twitching, extrasystoles. In advanced stages occur panic, seizures, altered consciousness, and ultimately coma ( CO2 narcosis).

Swell

Clinical Dictionary: Pschychrembel. 261 edition. Walter de Gruyter: Berlin New York; 2007

• Breathing