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What Causes High Carbon Dioxide in Blood?

An elevated concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood is known as hypercapnia. This condition can be caused by various diseases and respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also commonly caused by drug overdoses and interactions. Additionally, obesity may contribute to hypercapnia for a number of reasons. Hypercapnia is a serious condition that can lead to dangerous health complications. Understanding some of the possible causes can help reduce potential risk factors.

  1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of hypercapnia. Emphysema is a common subtype of COPD. This disease makes it difficult to breathe, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream and thus increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of COPD. Other lung irritants, including pollution and other airborne particles, are other common causes of COPD. These risk factors should be avoided to reduce the likelihood of hypercapnia. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of COPD.

    Drug Overdose and Interactions

    • A number of prescription and over-the-counter medications and illicit drugs can, when used in excess or in combination with other incompatible substances, lead to respiratory failure or impairment. Respiratory failure may lead to an elevated carbon dioxide concentration in the bloodstream. The use of steroids and diuretics have been shown to increase the likelihood of metabolic alkalosis, which was proven to have a strong link to hypercapnia in a study published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" in 1972. When prescribed these drugs, you should consult your health care provider about the possibility of hypercapnia.

    Obesity

    • Obesity can contribute to hypercapnia in a number of ways. Obesity can greatly impair respiratory function, negatively impacting cardiovascular health. When healthy breathing is restricted, oxygen levels in the blood may be reduced. Additionally, obesity increases the risk of COPD. As previously discussed, COPD is a major factor in hypercapnia. Obesity also aggravates the symptoms of COPD, increasing the severity of the disease. Finally, obesity is a common cause of sleep apnea. This condition can lead to hypoventilation during sleep and, in extreme cases, contribute to the occurrence of hypercapnia. In these cases, hypercapnia can often be reversed with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. If you're overweight, you may want to consult your health care provider about the possibility of obesity-related hypercapnia.

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