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?

11 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

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.

Answered 6/29/2018

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Hypercapnia: Usually chronic ventilation failure due to bad airway obstruction, respiratory muscle weakness, improper distribution of circulation in lungs or small airspace in lungs would cause this. The bipap helps in ventilation. Drugs available to help are called bronchodilators like albuteral, ipratropium nebulizers or steroids along with theophyllin and Diamox (acetazolamide) tablets given for respiratory stimulation.

Answered 8/21/2019

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Not likely: High serum co2 suggests chronic hypercarbia for which bipap is appropriate. No inhalers will dramatically improve hypercarbia over the short term. An alternative explanation for high serum co2 is severe metabolic alkalosis from vomiting or excessive diuretic use. An arterial blood gas can aid in telling the difference.

Answered 4/14/2019

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Dr. Hesham Hassaballa answered

Specializes in Pulmonary Critical Care

Yes and no: There are medicines that can decrease the carbon dioxide in your mother's blood, but they will likely cause more harm than good. The bipap machine is the best thing for her, as it is likely that the carbon dioxide is high from her lungs. I know it is annoying, but it does good.

Answered 6/29/2018

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