Hypercarbia

Excerpt

Hypercarbia is defined by an increase in carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Though there are multiple causes for hypercarbia, the body is usually able to compensate if the respiratory drive and lung function are not compromised. When this compensation is inadequate, respiratory acidosis results. Many patients with chronic hypercarbia from lung disease and normal renal function will retain higher levels of bicarbonate to maintain pH balance. Hypercarbia is often used interchangeably with the term hypercapnia.