Hypercarbia(Archived)
- PMID: 32644580
- Bookshelf ID: NBK559154
Hypercarbia(Archived)
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.
Copyright © 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.
Conflict of interest statement
Sections
References
-
- Pisani L, Corcione N, Nava S. Management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2016 Feb;22(1):45-52. - PubMed
-
- Petersson J, Glenny RW. Gas exchange and ventilation-perfusion relationships in the lung. Eur Respir J. 2014 Oct;44(4):1023-41. - PubMed
-
- Hillman D, Singh B, McArdle N, Eastwood P. Relationships between ventilatory impairment, sleep hypoventilation and type 2 respiratory failure. Respirology. 2014 Nov;19(8):1106-16. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources