Breathlessness....: For some time, I've... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

55,730 members66,376 posts

Breathlessness....

Dmactds profile image
5 Replies

For some time, I've been bothered by my supplemental oxygen causing a general malaise and increased breathlessness; finally, today, searching for an answer to this ongoing problem, I came across this site and am passing it and a 'blurb' along for others' interests

This sentence, in particular caught my attention, " Some people with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can manage with a higher CO2 level than people with healthy lungs":

lungfoundation.com.au/carbo...

"...A high CO2 level is usually an indication that the lungs are not able to keep up with the body’s needs. In a healthy person, a high CO2 level can occur suddenly during an acute illness. Some people adapt over time to a new “baseline” where the CO2 level in the body is higher than in healthy lungs. Some people with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can manage with a higher CO2 level than people with healthy lungs

....How does oxygen cause hypercapnia?

...Too much supplemental oxygen can cause or worsen hypercapnia by a number of different mechanisms including:

1. Dramatically changing the relationship between air exchange within the lungs and blood flow within the lungs, resulting in reduced removal of CO2.

2. Reducing the “drive to breathe”. People with healthy lungs rely on high CO2 levels to stimulate the brain to breathe. People with COPD and high CO2 levels may become “less sensitive” to a high CO2 level. The person then relies more on low oxygen levels to stimulate their breathing. Giving too much oxygen removes this stimulus to breathe, and thus reduces the removal of CO2 from the lungs.

3. Both oxygen and CO2 bind to the haemoglobin in the red blood cells. Giving too much oxygen can push the CO2 from the haemoglobin into the bloodstream, causing CO2 levels to rise in the blood.

Uncontrolled oxygen therapy, or receiving too much oxygen, can make people who usually have higher CO2 levels retain more until it reaches dangerous levels.

Some people with low oxygen levels are prescribed supplemental oxygen at home as a long-term treatment for their lung condition. In this instance, the treating physician usually determines the oxygen flow within an acceptable range. It is important that oxygen therapy is used to maintain blood levels within this acceptable range and not in an effort to reduce perceived breathlessness. Breathlessness in COPD is rarely due to low oxygen levels alone. If someone experiences worsening breathlessness they need to see their doctor and address the possible causes. Patients should not increase the oxygen flow simply to treat the symptom of breathlessness..."

Written by
Dmactds profile image
Dmactds
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
PollyP profile image
PollyP

Good post...yes that is so, hypercapnia can result from an in balance in blood gases.

Have you had an oxygen review recently?

That might help you ?

Dmactds profile image
Dmactds in reply to PollyP

No..., but thanks for your reply; I'll talk further with my pulmonologist about all this now that I have a firmer understanding of the problem.

In the past, I've just griped and complained to her and others about how useless oxygen is for me and that it only creates more problems in terms of breathing.

I'm beginning to wonder about the competency of the average doctor as none of them have ever suggested this possibility when I told them about the problems I was having; I DO know that I'll be using oxygen very sparingly until I get a better grip on this.

Exactly what's involved in an "Oxygen Review"??

Regards,

Duncan

PollyP profile image
PollyP in reply to Dmactds

Where do you live then Duncan.?

Here in UK we have local NHS oxygen service and receive regular checks re our oxygen needs.

PollyP

Dmactds profile image
Dmactds in reply to PollyP

I'm in the States; when you say "Oxygen Review" are you referring to the FEV1 test??

PollyP profile image
PollyP

Hi, it can include Spirometry but mine hasn’t , it is a blood gas test on blood from earlobe or in serious hypoxia maybe blood gases taken from the artery at the wrist.

A walk test to see what our sats are with and without oxygen.

This may tell you more.

We usually have annual Spirometry done at our doctors office by the nurse every year whether on oxygen or not.

nhs.uk/conditions/home-oxyg...

PollyP

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Hypersensitive Pneumonitis Due to Construction Dust

Hi everyone, I’ve just received a diagnosis after a crazy past 3 days. I have a new housing...

another little update . . . Are you sick of them yet . ☺️🤔

just an update saying I think I’m doing quite well I’m now down to 11 and a half stone just...

Hiring Equipment for overseas

Hello Everyone, My first time writing so hopefully I'm doing it right. I have pulmonary...

Quick question on oxygen.

I have never been on oxygen other than in hospital or in an ambulance. One reason Oxygen does not...

Hello everyone

Hi everyone, I am new to the group! I was diagnosed with empysema five years ago and have been...