Elevated CO2 levels

[Doug Carpenter]

Please can anyone advise - symptoms, cause, management - on elevated CO2 levels.

Many thanks!

Doug

[Ellie]

Hi Doug.

Symptoms tend to be drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, disorientation, poor concentration.

In MND, it is caused by inadequately functioning respiratory muscles meaning we breathe in shallow breaths, while at the same time, unable to effectively breathe out CO2.

By using NIV (BiPAP) the respiratory muscles get help in the breathing process - a better intake of oxygen and a better expulsion of carbon dioxide - and the CO2 retention issues subside (with the right NIV settings)

As muscles get weaker and weaker, there comes a time when NIV cannot keep up and, in essence, becomes redundant.

Because our muscles weaken gradually, CO2 retention can creep up on us almost without us noticing. Do you think you have CO2 retention? You probably haven't had a respiratory assessment recently due to Covid, but your CO2 levels can be checked on earlobe bloods.

Thinking of you.

Love Ellie.

[matthew55]

I'm going to Whythenshaw (I probably spelt that wrong) Hospital Manchester as they specialise in breathing. Have you tried belly breathing? 🙂x

[Nettie]

They’re very good at Wythenshawe ❤️

[Doug Carpenter]

Hi Ellie

Thanks ever so much.

Love

Doug x

[Doug Carpenter]

Yes Matthew, a little.

Doug

[Deb]

Hi Doug,

I don't know much about this apart from being told to watch out for headaches and dizziness especially in the mornings.

I am thinking about you and sending hugs,
Love Debbie x

[denise]

Just had an explanation by a technician come to see Stephen. I gather sacs in the lungs become redundant and the co2 doesn't get pushed out properly. Stephen complains about not enough time between breaths using his bipap machine and thats why. He does sleep well using the machine but does complain of dizziness some mornings. Many years of smoking haven't helped. His oxygen levels are really good.
been thinking about you Doug I hope you're ok.
Denise xx

[Ellie]

I gather sacs in the lungs become redundant and the co2 doesn't get pushed out properly.

No, that's what happens if someoneone has COPD, not with ALS/MND - maybe Stephen has it if, as you say, he has smoked for years or the technician assumed he has it.

[denise]

I imagine if he's smoked from 15-70 it's from smoking 😐

[jd58]

I had same problem the ventilation team put me kn a BiPAP machine overnight

[Ellie]

jd58 I hope it's a BiPAP, not CPAP? CPAPs have constant pressure only, more of an effort is required to breathe out against sustained pressure.

CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure.
BiPAP = bi-level positive airway pressure. The bi-level meaning 2 levels, one for inhaling and one for exhaling.

People with MND should only use BiPAP.

[jd58]

BiPAP sorry

[Ellie]

Phew! Always best to check, you wouldn't be the first to be put on CPAP 🙄