CO2 and O2
I recently learned that at times my CO2 levels get too high due to my lungs retaining it. This is something that I have yet to discuss with my pulmonologist. I’m frustrated that I have been on O2 for 5 years and no one has brought this up until recently. Is this something I need to worry about? What questions should I be asking my Pulmonologist?
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How did you learn your CO2 levels are too high? Just curious. One thing you can do to help that is to use Pursed Lip Breathing. You inhale through your nose and when you exhale, you purse your lips like you are blowing out a candle. Your exhale should be at least twice as long as your inhale. So if your inhale is 4 seconds, your exhale should be at least 8 seconds or longer. This helps expel all CO2 left in your lungs and also helps get coughing under control. As far as what you should ask your pulmonologist, whatever concerns you have. Write down your concerns and take them with you to the doctor and ask them off of your list. Take care and God Bless!The last time I spoke with my nurse pulmonologist, she mentioned that me lungs were at times holding onto CO2, but she didn’t educate me about what it means or how to deal with it. Then I was reading an article on here, where a person said that they were hospitalized due to high levels of CO2. She also talked about using pursed-lip breathing, which have started to doo. Thanks your support.
Just wanted to share a little info we have on CO2 and BiPAP. https://copd.net/living/my-bipap It may give you a bit more insight into the CO2 situation. If there's anything else we can do please ask! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Thanks!
