How to Treat Carbon Dioxide Poisoning

Carbon dioxide poisoning is also known as hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. Carbon dioxide comprises only 385 parts per million in our atmosphere, but it can accumulate in the blood to toxic levels. The following steps will help you identify and treat carbon dioxide poisoning.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Consider the causes of carbon dioxide poisoning. People at risk include sufferers of emphysema, neuromuscular disorders and those taking narcotic, sleeping and tranquilizing medications.

2. Know the symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning. These can include delirium, headaches, shortness of breath and reduced alertness.

3. Get a clinical evaluation. The physician should check for a rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, shallow breathing and elevated blood pressure. A fundoscopic exam may show papilledema. Check for arterial blood gas showing elevated CO2 as a definitive test.

4. Treat the underlying cause if one exists. Administer continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and provide mechanical ventilation if the patient's breathing is compromised. Medication may be given to improve lung function. Any offending medication should be discontinued.

5. Monitor the patient's condition by continuing to check the acid and oxygen levels in the blood. X-rays may be needed in some cases to observe the underlying cause of the carbon dioxide poisoning.

Resources

• Learn more about treating carbon dioxide poisoning.