Carbon dioxide is a poisonous gas in the eyes of ordinary people, but it is a maddening substance for doctors, especially respiratory doctors. The most feared thing is the increase of carbon dioxide in the blood. High, but I am more afraid of low carbon dioxide. If all the carbon dioxide components in human blood are drawn, people will not be able to live for a minute. Carbon dioxide is very important for the normal function of human blood.
Everyone’s blood has a certain pH. This pH is generally best maintained in a neutral and slightly alkaline state. The pH range is in the range of 7.35-7.45. Cells, nutrients, and electrolytes can maintain normal functions. If carbon dioxide is excreted too much through the lungs, it will lead to respiratory alkalosis. At this time, calcium ions in the blood will immediately drop, resulting in convulsions, which may cause coma in severe cases. It is seen in some patients with hysterical breathing. When the patient is emotionally excited, the patient has shortness of breath, and the carbon dioxide is quickly discharged from the body. The symptoms are very scary, but the probability of life-threatening is small.
Of course, too high carbon dioxide is also a relatively dangerous thing, especially when it exceeds 50mmHg, it becomes type II respiratory failure, which is seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This situation needs to be treated with a ventilator, otherwise it will It may lead to coma, which may be life-threatening if not treated in time.
