My CO2 is abnormally elevated on my chemistry, what is wrong

[ThinkandThinkAgain]

My blood chemistry panel taken two weeks after starting CPAP shows abnormally elevated CO2. Of course I can ask my Specialist, but he does not appear to know much about CPAP. The company did not measure me for a mask, nor did they have alternatives. Everyone gets a medium mask and the same one.

At my other MD, his partner had several different sizes and models. The size small was much more comfortable, but this would leave less area to expell air. I need to pull the medium size down over my upper teeth or the air blows into my eyes. With the mask pulled over my upper teeth, no air escapes the mask. I did nothing to specifically block the air from leaving the mask, except reposition it on my face. I can not deal with air blowing into my eyes, but I am afraid of abnormally elevated CO2 in my blood. This is the first time, suggesting CPAP.

Suggestions? I did not ask for CO2 measure, it was an annual PE.

[Wulfman...]

My blood chemistry panel taken two weeks after starting CPAP shows abnormally elevated CO2. Of course I can ask my Specialist, but he does not appear to know much about CPAP. The company did not measure me for a mask, nor did they have alternatives. Everyone gets a medium mask and the same one.

At my other MD, his partner had several different sizes and models. The size small was much more comfortable, but this would leave less area to expell air. I need to pull the medium size down over my upper teeth or the air blows into my eyes. With the mask pulled over my upper teeth, no air escapes the mask. I did nothing to specifically block the air from leaving the mask, except reposition it on my face. I can not deal with air blowing into my eyes, but I am afraid of abnormally elevated CO2 in my blood. This is the first time, suggesting CPAP.

Suggestions? I did not ask for CO2 measure, it was an annual PE.

This is the same answer I posted in the other thread you posted to:

WRONG GUESS!
Quit trying to blame your CPAP therapy for other medical issues. AND.....learn to use Google.

Are you taking antacids? That will do it. Other things, too.
Happened to my wife early last year. She quit the antacids and everything was fine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency ... 003469.htm

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding ... /tab/test/

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bicarbonate?page=2


High values
High carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) levels may be caused by:
Vomiting, dehydration, blood transfusions, and overuse of medicines that contain bicarbonate (especially
antacids).
Conditions such as anorexia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fluid in the lungs (pulmonary
edema), heart disease, Cushing's disease, and Conn's syndrome.

Low values
Low carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) levels may be caused by:
Hyperventilation, aspirin or alcohol overdose, diarrhea, dehydration, and severe malnutrition.
Liver or kidney disease, a massive heart attack, hyperthyroidism, or uncontrolled diabetes.

What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include the following:
You drink liquids that are very acidic, such as orange juice or some types of carbonated beverages, shortly
before having the test.
You are taking some medicines, such as diuretics, some antibiotics, glaucoma medicine, and
corticosteroids.
The health professional leaves on the elastic band that stops blood flow for an extended amount of time
before the blood sample is collected.


Den

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[Julie]

Den - that was extremely interesting and helpful to know... thanks!

[Wulfman...]

In hindsight, I forgot to mention why my wife was taking the antacids. One of her doctors recommended taking them for the added calcium to increase her bone density. Well, like everything else, some things affect other things. You just never know what to do till you do it and find out the results.


Den

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[Paralel]

Don't post in one thread, then start your own on the same exact topic. its poor forum manners.

[Wulfman...]

Don't post in one thread, then start your own on the same exact topic. its poor forum manners.

For some inexplicable reason, somebody deleted the original post in this thread (which is still visible if you attempt to do a reply to the thread), but that's why I frequently quote posts.......they occasionally disappear.


Den

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