An arterial blood gas test is commonly used to diagnose hypercapnia. This test can assess the levels of oxygen and CO2 in your blood and make sure your oxygen pressure is normal. Your doctor may also test your breathing using spirometry. In this test, you breathe forcefully into a tube.
How is hypercapnic respiratory failure diagnosed?
Diagnosing acute respiratory failure
- perform a physical exam.
- ask you questions about your family or personal health history.
- check your body's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels level with a pulse oximetry device and an arterial blood gas test.
- order a chest X-ray to look for abnormalities in your lungs.
What are the signs of Hypercapnic failure?
The condition, also described as hypercapnia, hypercarbia, or carbon dioxide retention, can cause effects such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, as well as serious complications such as seizures or loss of consciousness.
