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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is High Normal Range Carbon Dioxide Level A Matter Of Concern?

I DID NOT KNOW THT I HAD TO PAY TO OBTAIN AN ANSWER. I WILLCONSULT MY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN, MONDAY. PLEASE DISEGARD MY Q. I have no current symptoms. However, routine blood work just returned last week, and my carbon dioxide / rating level was at the top of the scale - a 20 I believe. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED WITH THIS HIGH NORMAL RANGE CARBON DIOXIDE LEVEL? My doctor has said nothing about it. This is the third time in 2 years that it has been at the top of the normal range. Considering this...i overheated while working outside two years ago, did not have enough to eat or drink. After I returned home, it led to muscle spasms, which led to hyperventilation, which led - I believe - to hypoxia (tingling in my fingers and toes, spread to my hands and feet - continued into my lower legs and my arms. Also, tingling / numbness in my face as it progressed, until my hands cramped and crab clawed and I could not walk. ) My wife transported me to hospital and I was treated with IV fluids, breathing into bag and 02. In January 16, I had chest pains which led, I believe, to early onset of hyperventilation, as my finger tips began to tingle as my breathing rate increased and shallowed. I slowed down my breathing and the tingling disappeared. My wife xported me to hospital. The chest pains were related to strained muscle. I do not smoke, am 59yoa, former long distance runner, etc., etc. and in good health, but currently out of good conditioning. THANKS, Rory
Tue, 21 Apr 2020
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

As per my clinical experience, high level of carbon dioxide is matter of concern as there can be underlying:
@ Metabolic disturbances with secondary effect of carbon dioxide retention or
@ Primary respiratory issue with hypoventilation and carbon dioxide level rise

In my clinic, I do recommend evaluation with:
- Complete blood counts
- Pulmonary function test
- X-ray chest
- Other supportive data as per the clinical evaluation

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon
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Is High Normal Range Carbon Dioxide Level A Matter Of Concern?

Hi, As per my clinical experience, high level of carbon dioxide is matter of concern as there can be underlying: @ Metabolic disturbances with secondary effect of carbon dioxide retention or @ Primary respiratory issue with hypoventilation and carbon dioxide level rise In my clinic, I do recommend evaluation with: - Complete blood counts - Pulmonary function test - X-ray chest - Other supportive data as per the clinical evaluation Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon