HYPERCAPNIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hypercapnia is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. It occurs when the body is unable to effectively remove carbon dioxide, leading to elevated levels of this gas in the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular metabolism and is typically expelled from the body through the lungs during exhalation.
In healthy individuals, the level of carbon dioxide in the blood is tightly regulated by the respiratory system. However, hypercapnia can arise in certain situations, such as when lung function is compromised, or when there is a disturbance in the normal balance between carbon dioxide production and elimination. This condition can also be associated with hypoventilation, which refers to a decreased rate or depth of breathing.
Symptoms of hypercapnia can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause, but common signs may include fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, headaches, dizziness, tremors, and changes in heart rate. Severe cases of hypercapnia can lead to respiratory failure and even death if left untreated.
Treatment for hypercapnia involves addressing the underlying cause while also restoring normal levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. This may be achieved through measures such as improving lung function, adjusting respiratory support, or taking medications to facilitate proper gas exchange. Close monitoring and appropriate management of this condition are crucial to prevent potential complications and maintain optimal respiratory function.
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The presence of carbon dioxide in excess in the blood, resulting in overstimulation of the respiratory center.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPERCAPNIA
- gypercapnia
- bypercapnia
- nypercapnia
- jypercapnia
- uypercapnia
- yypercapnia
- htpercapnia
- hgpercapnia
- hhpercapnia
- hupercapnia
- h7percapnia
- h6percapnia
- hyoercapnia
- hylercapnia
- hy-ercapnia
- hy0ercapnia
- hypwrcapnia
- hypsrcapnia
- hypdrcapnia
Etymology of HYPERCAPNIA
The word "hypercapnia" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "hyper" meaning "above" or "excessive" and "kapnos" meaning "smoke" or "vapor". Together, they form "hyperkapnos", which can be translated as "excessive smoke". The term "hypercapnia" is used in medicine to describe a condition of abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
Similar spelling words for HYPERCAPNIA
- hyperglycaemia,
- hypercalcaemia,
- hypercritical,
- hypersplenism,
- hypersomnia,
- hyperstat,
- hypercoaster,
- hypericales,
- hypericaceae,
- hypercalcemia,
- hyperacusia,
- hypercarbia,
- hypercalciuria,
- hypercapnea.
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