Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste gas produced as a result of cell metabolism in the body. This gas is bound to red blood cells and flowed into the lungs, then is exhaled by exhalation.
Although it is a waste gas, the presence of carbon dioxide is still important for the body. This gas acts to regulate blood acidity (pH) and support the respiratory process. If the body is deficient or excess amount of carbon dioxide, acid base balance disorders and carbon dioxide poisoning can occur.
In addition to being produced from the process of cell metabolism in the body, this gas is also found in factory fumes, vehicle fumes, smoke from burning garbage or waste, and volcanic fumes.
How to find out carbon dioxide levels in the body
In the human body, carbon dioxide comes in two forms, namely gas (PCO2) and bicarbonate compound (HCO3). This bicarbonate compound is a chemical form of carbon dioxide that is bound in the blood.
Almost all carbon dioxide in the body is in the blood, so a common way to find out the level of this substance is by a blood test called blood gas analysis.
Normal carbon dioxide levels in the body are 23-29 mmol per liter of blood. Test results outside this range indicate impaired acid-base balance in blood, both acidosis and alkalosis. These conditions need to be further examined and treated by a doctor.
Impact of Carbon Dioxide Deficiency
People who lack carbon dioxide in their bodies can experience several symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pale and bluish skin, convulsions, to coma.
Carbon dioxide deficiency can be caused by respiratory disorders, where the process of removing CO2 exceeds the amount of CO2 produced by body cells. This condition can cause acid base balance disorders called alkalosis.
Too low levels of carbon dioxide can also be a sign of other health problems, such as kidney disease, diabetes ketoacidosis, Addison's disease, and aspirin drug poisoning.
Impact of Excess Carbon Dioxide
Too high levels of carbon dioxide in the body can cause carbon dioxide poisoning. Too high carbon dioxide can cause serious health problems, namely acidosis. This condition can make it hard for oxygen in the blood to be released into the cells of the body, so the body lacks oxygen.
Carbon dioxide poisoning can be caused by various things, such as:
- Respiratory failure due to disorders of the lungs, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia.
- Serious injury.
- The use of breathing aids in the form of a ventilator.
- Brain damage that causes impaired breathing, for example in muscular dystrophy, ALS, encephalitis, and myasthenia gravis.
- Side effects of drugs, such as benzodiazepines and opioids.
- Severe cold or hypothermia.
- Diving habits, such as scuba diving.
Carbon dioxide poisoning can cause a person to experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and increased heart rate. Even in severe cases, seizures, coma and even death can occur.
Both carbon dioxide deficiency and excess, both have the potential to cause serious health problems. Therefore, consult a doctor immediately if you feel the symptoms above.
The doctor will do a physical examination and blood tests to assess the levels of carbon dioxide gas and electrolytes. Chest X-ray examination will also be done if the doctor suspects a disturbance in the lungs that causes abnormalities of carbon dioxide levels in the body.
After the cause is known, the doctor will provide treatment to improve the levels of carbon dioxide and restore blood acid base levels to return to normal.
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