Question 1

had a blood test with high reading of carbon dioxide in blood, 31. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Numbers are numbers: Numbers are just numbers, so the significance of them must be looked at in the context of a patient's real-life situation. The first thing a doctor considers is why somebody did a lab test, under what circumstances, and in association with what symptoms? Having a higher "carbon dioxide" in the blood means having more bicarbonate and less acid (less H+ ion), but there are many possible reasons.

Question 2

what can cause a low carbon dioxide level in a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Loss or acidosis: Loss of carbon dioxide (as carbon dioxide) can occur in anything that makes you breathe heavily for a long period of time. (being on a ventilator as one example). Loss through the kidney with diuretics sometime.

Mostly, CO2 is in the form of bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate). This is removed by acidity which occurs in serious organ failure (sepsis, kidney failure, etc.)

Question 3

total carbon dioxide level "32" 5 different times.. normal is 22-29? these where blood test.... is this worrisome? please help...

Accepted Answer

It depends: This is basically saying that your blood has too much base relative to acid.  Now this can happen if you are dehydrated for any reason or had been vomiting (where you lose acid).  Your kidney and respiratory system work to achieve a balance.  The seriousness will all depend on the rest of your labs and especially on your electrolyte levels, and possibly an arterial blood gas.

Question 4

total carbon dioxide level "32" 5 different times.. normal is 22-29? these where blood test.... is this worrisome? docs?

Accepted Answer

No: If your are able to exercise,  have good stamina, and good appetite without eating artificial foods/supplements,  then I would not have you worry about.  I'm sure the renal function and glucose are normal.

Question 5

i had a blood test run. my chloride was high 107and my carbon dioxide was low 13. everything else was normal. should i be concerned about the those abnormal numbers?

Accepted Answer

Ask ordering doctor: Numbers are just numbers, so the significance of them must be looked at in the context of a patient's real-life situation. The first thing a doctor considers is why somebody did a lab test, under what circumstances, and in association with what symptoms? Having a lower "carbon dioxide" in the blood means having less bicarbonate and more acid (more H+ ion), but there are many possible reasons.

Question 6

hello. i had blood test results and i just wanted a second opinion. my mch is at 32.2 fl  bit high, mchch is at 33.1fl its normal, mcv is a 97.6%. also, my carbon dioxide is at a 32 mmol and glucose at a 104. everything else is in the normal range.

Accepted Answer

Ok: Was the glucose fasting? If it was, just watch the sugars and carbs  in your diet.

Question 7

carbon dioxide of my blood is 17. the rest of my blood test was within range. why would it be 17 and does taking folic acid thru b-complex lower it to this level?

Accepted Answer

: Low levels of CO2 in blood may lower lung function, but a repeat may show the low value to be transient.  Low CO2 may also worsen asthma symptoms.  Consult your physician for his/her suggestions to correct these effects.

Question 8

my childs potassium, alkaline phosphate, carbon dioxide are low on blood test. test was done due to my lupus & hypothyroidism. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: Random test results reported with no  history or exam findings make it impossible to decide if they are important or not. The normal values vary sometimes by age and we don't know if the report used proper kid or adult standards.You should review these with whoever ordered them.

Question 9

carbon dioxide level is high in my mother's blood & she is using bipap machine. is there any medicine for this so that she does not have to use bipap?

Accepted Answer

Inhalers & steroids: This situation typically occurs with advancing COPD or with an acute bout of respiratory failure. If the problem is related to copd, the bipap is a temporising measure while steroids and inhalers kick in. In other situations such as heart failure, different medications are used. Regardless of the cause she has to get better or she will end up on a breathing machine.

Question 10

i am confused about carbon dioxide levels in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Confused?: Co2 is dissolved in the blood. It is related to the ph of the blood. The higher the co2, the lower the ph and visa versa. When the co2 goes up, one breaths more rapidly to blow off the co2. The co2 in the blood comes from the metabolism of cellular mechanisms and is exchanged for oxygen in the lungs. Any more questions?

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

High carbon dioxide levels in blood test

A member asked:

Had a blood test with high reading of carbon dioxide in blood, 31. what does this mean?

A member asked:

What can cause a low carbon dioxide level in a blood test?

A member asked:

Total carbon dioxide level "32" 5 different times.. normal is 22-29? these where blood test.... is this worrisome? please help...

A member asked:

Total carbon dioxide level "32" 5 different times.. normal is 22-29? these where blood test.... is this worrisome? docs?

A member asked:

I had a blood test run. my chloride was high 107and my carbon dioxide was low 13. everything else was normal. should i be concerned about the those abnormal numbers?

A member asked:

Hello. i had blood test results and i just wanted a second opinion. my mch is at 32.2 fl bit high, mchch is at 33.1fl its normal, mcv is a 97.6%. also, my carbon dioxide is at a 32 mmol and glucose at a 104. everything else is in the normal range.

A member asked:

Carbon dioxide of my blood is 17. the rest of my blood test was within range. why would it be 17 and does taking folic acid thru b-complex lower it to this level?

A member asked:

My childs potassium, alkaline phosphate, carbon dioxide are low on blood test. test was done due to my lupus & hypothyroidism. what does this mean?

A member asked:

Carbon dioxide level is high in my mother's blood & she is using bipap machine. is there any medicine for this so that she does not have to use bipap?

A member asked:

I am confused about carbon dioxide levels in the blood?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?