Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
COPD With Week Lungs Developed Hypercapnia PCO2. Hospitalized On Ventilation. Not Responding. Recommendations?
My mother has been suffering from COPD for over 8 years. Her lung function has been described as very poor (only 10 percent) She has now developed hypercapnia PCO2 of 90 and an oxygen saturation of only 65%. She has been hospitalized and is now on a ventilator for the last 3 weeks. she does not seem to respond as of the ventilator she is desaturating and PCO2 goes up. What would you advise
Mon, 27 May 2013
Hi,
It sounds like she has very severe COPD. Treatment at this stage is to support her breathing on the ventilator whilst treating any lung infection and ensuring she is kept well hydrated and comfortable. It is not unusual for someone with severe COPD to be on a ventilator for some weeks. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much reserve in her lungs to start with so she may take sometime before she improves.
It sounds like she has very severe COPD. Treatment at this stage is to support her breathing on the ventilator whilst treating any lung infection and ensuring she is kept well hydrated and comfortable. It is not unusual for someone with severe COPD to be on a ventilator for some weeks. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much reserve in her lungs to start with so she may take sometime before she improves.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Spirometry
Loading Online Doctors....