What is hypercapnia?
  • Hypercapnia can affect people with a variety of respiratory conditions, the most common being COPD.
  • It occurs when the lungs are unable to expel carbon dioxide effectively causing it to build up in the blood.
  • This can cause the blood to become acidic and, if left untreated, can make you very unwell.
  • Hypercapnia can be chronic, causing a gradual increase in symptoms, or acute, where the symptoms come on quickly.
Signs and symptoms
  • An increase in breathlessness
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Tremors
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Palpitations
  • Feeling flushed or excessive sweating

It is important that you are assessed by a health professional if you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms.

Treatment options
  • Managing any exacerbation or underlying infection
  • Controlled oxygen therapy
  • Non-invasive ventilation

 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302