Hypocapnia

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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Hypocapnia, also known as hypocarbia, is a state of reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood. This condition is typically caused by hyperventilation, where excessive breathing expels CO₂ from the body faster than it is produced.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Hypocapnia can result from several conditions and activities, including:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of hypocapnia can vary but often include:

Complications[edit | edit source]

If left untreated, hypocapnia can lead to several complications, such as:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Hypocapnia is typically diagnosed through an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, which measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Additional tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of hypocapnia focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Common approaches include:

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD