HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How To Flush Out CO2 Narcosis From Body?

default
Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014
Question: Dear Doc - This is with regards to my mother who is 70 years old - CKD , CABG , Diabetic . Last friday I got her admitted to hospital for pedal oedema and swelling on face etc . She was diagnosed with UTI and they gave her diuretic via IV plus antibiotic for the UTI . At this time , she was walking with support albeit with pain in her joints and lower back (lumbar canal stenosis) . She was discharged on 17th afternoon . On tuesday , her pain in the lower limbs was more and strength on a decline . She nearly sank while walking with support to the washroom , had similar 2-3 instance throughout and drowsiness . Wheeled her to emergency on this wednesday , wherein a neurosurgeon diagnosed this as OSA and adviced PSG plus BiPAP for her . She is still in the hospital and undergoing physio sessions for strength . My question was can OSA cause patients lower limb to go limp (flaps, flops) ? What is an appropriate way to flush out the CO2 narcosis from her body. Please do help me understand.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ram Choudhary (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: CO2 can be washed out by ventilation Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to healthcare Magic! CKD, Diabetes and UTI themselves can make a patient quite weak and if one is overweight or with weak lungs then the CO2 starts retaining. This leads to a complex problem where person becomes obtunded and floppy. The ideal way is to keep ideal control of the all four chronic ailments. CO2 washout is done by BIPAP respiratory support in conscious patients and by invasive ventilation in more drowsy patients. An ICU physician is the most qualified person for right decision. I hope the advise would be informative and useful for you. Take Care!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ram Choudhary (2 days later)
Dear Doc - Her PSG revealed mild OSA , for which BiPAP is already introduced , which has brought her CO2 to 51 as of yday . Since Saturday till today , she has been only sleeping in the hospital and disoriented (not coherent in her speech) . Today the doctors have repeated some more blood tests , which revealed slight elevation in ammonia , 2.9 Potassium levels and 2.08 as serum creatinine . They are planning an EEG now as they are unable to comprehend the reason for increased in sleep , lack of appetite and poor motor movements . Can you please help me understand as to what else can be done to accelerate the diagnosis ? I am at my wits end as the whole intention of admitting her in the hospital was pre-emptive routine checks . She was mobile until 17th,18th March and suddenly what has gone wrong due to which her mobility has reduced, sleepiness has increased . Please help ! Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ram Choudhary (2 days later)
Brief Answer: needs investigation and neurology referral Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Welcome back. A CO2 of 51 is good enough recovery. If she is still drowsy then other things need to be looked into. An EEG and CT scan are needed to rule out any central cause. Her brain fluid should also be sampled for possibility of meningitis. Also get Complete blood counts, RFT, LFT, Procalcitonin levels to rule out metabolic component for drowsiness. Get a neurologist opinion for drowsiness. I hope she makes recovery to a good health.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ram Choudhary

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 2270 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How To Flush Out CO2 Narcosis From Body?

Brief Answer: CO2 can be washed out by ventilation Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to healthcare Magic! CKD, Diabetes and UTI themselves can make a patient quite weak and if one is overweight or with weak lungs then the CO2 starts retaining. This leads to a complex problem where person becomes obtunded and floppy. The ideal way is to keep ideal control of the all four chronic ailments. CO2 washout is done by BIPAP respiratory support in conscious patients and by invasive ventilation in more drowsy patients. An ICU physician is the most qualified person for right decision. I hope the advise would be informative and useful for you. Take Care!