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The Definition of Hypoxic Drive

Patients suffering from lung diseases often fail to obtain enough oxygen from respiration, causing a boost in their carbon dioxide, or CO2 levels. For these patients, a condition called hypoxic drive signals the need for deeper breathing.

  1. Terms

    • Hypoxic drive refers to hypoxia, a state in which people get insufficient oxygen during respiration, according to Pennard Community First Responders. The resulting urge to take in more air, or hypoxic drive, affects people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    Process

    • Most people feel the need to inhale and exhale depending on varying levels of CO2 in their bloodstream, Sufferers from COPD, however, have chronically elevated CO2 levels, waiting for a hypoxic dip in their oxygen level as the signal to increase respiration.

    Diagnostics

    • A hypoxic drive response test can help determine whether a person receives sufficient oxygen during normal breathing. According to National Jewish Health, the subject breathes through a mask while a CO2 monitor detects changes in carbon dioxide levels independent of the oxygen intake.

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