Hypercapnia is a medical condition wherein there’s high level of carbon dioxide in the blood. The term is Greek in origin which are hyper (above) and kapnos for smoke. Normally, carbon dioxide is being expelled by the lungs out of the body. However, in cases of hypercapnia, the carbon dioxide is instead retained causing its accumulation in the body.

The body can sense extremely high levels of carbon dioxide and a breathing reflex is then triggered. Hypercapnia typically happens when one is asleep so when the body can detect this, the person would be roused from sleep to facilitate proper breathing so as to allow more oxygen in. When there’s failure in the activation of this reflex, death may result due to decreased oxygen levels in the body. This probably happens in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

There are actually several conditions that may lead to hypercapnia. The presence of lung diseases, inhalation of high levels of carbon dioxide in the environment and even mere hypoventilation would result to hypercapnia.

It is important to note the possible symptoms of hypercapnia which include dyspnea, flushing, tachypnea, muscle twitching and hand flapping. This would also lead to some changes in sensorium such as confusion, disorientation and lethargy. The blood pressure may become elevated, too. Often, hypercapnia is paired by respiratory acidosis. One can be diagnosed of hypercapnia when the carbon dioxide levels in the body fall greater than 45 mmHg.