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How is it measured? Was it measured from a venous blood sample and run by a chemistry, or was it measured from an arterial blood sample and run as an arterial blood gas? These two measurements tell you different things.
On the chemistry panel, the CO2 actually measures serum bicarbonate, and an elevated serum bicarbonate level may indicate a metabolic alkalosis or a chronic acidosis. An infusion of bicarbonate, or taking bicarbonate regularly may also elevate this measurement, as will chronic vomiting.
On an arterial blood gas measurement, an elevated CO2 indicates decreased ventilation and failure to "breathe off" CO2. This frequently is caused by respiratory failure caused by drugs the suppress the respiratory drive or medical conditions, such as COPD.
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JordanHigh blood carbon dioxide levels, known as hypercapnia, can be caused by conditions such as lung diseases (like COPD or pneumonia), neuromuscular disorders that affect breathing, central nervous system depression (from drug overdose or anesthesia), or abnormal metabolism (such as kidney failure or Diabetes).
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What does blood carbon dioxide regulate?
Blood carbon dioxide levels help regulate the pH of the blood. Carbon dioxide is converted to bicarbonate ions in the blood, which helps maintain the blood's acid-base balance. Changes in blood carbon dioxide levels can result in respiratory and metabolic imbalances.
Receptors that detect carbon dioxide levels in the blood are?
Central chemoreceptors in the brainstem, specifically in the medulla oblongata, detect changes in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. These receptors play a key role in regulating breathing to maintain appropriate levels of carbon dioxide and pH in the body.
Is breathing controlled by changes in the chemistry of the blood?
Yes, breathing is primarily controlled by the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. High levels of carbon dioxide trigger increased breathing rate to remove excess carbon dioxide from the body, while low levels of oxygen can also stimulate breathing to increase oxygen intake.
Why might blood carbon dioxide levels be higher in an individual with pulmonary disease when compared to the carbon dioxide levels of a healthy person?
When you have pulmonary disease, you may fail to give out carbon dioxide. So the percentage of carbon dioxide increase in your blood. That is the indicator of the severity of the pulmonary disease.
Is breathing regulated mainly by response to the level of carbon dioxide in the blood?
Yes, breathing is primarily regulated by the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. When carbon dioxide levels rise, the body signals the need to breathe more to expel excess carbon dioxide and take in fresh oxygen. Conversely, if carbon dioxide levels drop too low, breathing may decrease to retain carbon dioxide.
