What is hypocapnemia?

Hypocapnemia means decreased carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood. Hypocapnia (also called hypocarbia) is the medical term used to describe unusually low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can be a sign of rapid breathing or other underlying medical conditions.

It has several causes, including hyperventilation, a situation in which a person breathes more quickly than the body needs to, which decreases carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Some respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or conditions that affect the brain, liver disease, and kidney disease, can also cause hypocapnia.

Low carbon dioxide levels may also be caused by:

- Asthma

- High altitudes

- Fever

- Sepsis

- Salicylate toxicity

- Diabetic ketoacidosis

- Liver failure

- Renal failure

- Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hypocapnia vary depending on the underlying cause but can include:

- Shortness of breath

- Confusion

- Dizziness or lightheadedness

- Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or around the mouth

- Muscle cramps

- Rapid heartbeat

- Headache

- Seizures

- Coma

Diagnosis of hypocapnia involves measuring the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood through an arterial blood gas test. Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause and may involve supplemental oxygen, medications to slow the respiratory rate, or mechanical ventilation.