Hypocapnia (Low Carbon Dioxide in Blood)

I have abandoned the possibility of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). I’m not going to persuade its investigation anymore.

Although having said that, I still have the symptoms. Possible reason for it is hypocapnia or  “low CO2 level in blood”, and the condition is called Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome (CHVS).

Dr TL explained the CHVS to me in April 2008 . I understood the mechanism of the problem. However, I had (and still have) difficulty adopting it because of “hyperventilation” in its name. Because my hypocapnia is not caused by hyperventilation, I cannot have the mental connection with the name Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome.

Since the original introduction to CHVS, problems in my lungs were identified and being treated. Therefore, I assume that my hypocapnia is caused by underlining medical condition, which is lung problem (possibly interrelating with ME/CFS).

So, I may refer the condition in my blog simply “Chronic Hypocapnia”.

Hypocapnia can cause cerebral vasoconstriction that resulting in cerebral hypoxia or reduced oxygen supply to the brain. This explains the same symptoms as POTS.

I found a website that explains Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome in easy-to-understand way. (Please click on the link and have a look. Its symptom list is very similar to ME/CFS, if not the same.) This also explains why I feel being suffocated while my blood oxygen salutation is sufficient.

Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome constantly and slowly depletes your blood of carbon dioxide. With too little carbon dioxide in the blood, receptors that should be bonding with CO₂ end up bonding with oxygen instead. Ironically, your blood ends up having too little free oxygen available to your body’s systems and organs. As a result, all of your body’s systems receive too little oxygen. That means your brain, your stomach, your muscles … they’re all getting slightly deprived of oxygen. As a result, you start having seemily unrelated symptoms in all these different areas of the body.

At the back of my mind, I recall there is a theory about ME/CFS being oxidation problem… I’m not going into the detail for now.

Carbon Dioxide in Blood from Buzzle.com also explains the connection to neurological problems;

Since CO₂ increases the acidity in the blood, a low CO₂ level leads to increased alkalinity in the blood. This, in turn, leads to the constriction of blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Moreover, transport of essential electrolytes for the functioning of the nervous system is also reduced.

Deviations in the amount of carbon dioxide in blood can lead to dizziness, respiratory and cardiac arrest and even death.

I’m satisfied with the theories why I have symptoms.

However, as expected, solution for the Chronic Hypocapnia from physical condition is not so simple. (I noticed treatments for Hyperventilation Syndrome from panic/anxiety.) I was advised to breathe into paper bag… So far, I haven’t noticed relief from this method.

When I tried it at hospital transit centre, nurse misunderstood it as I’m having a panic attack… (It is not really a modest method to try in public because it looks like attention seeking act.) She checked oxygen level, and of course, it was normal. She really should have checked CO2 level, as the problem is not oxygen level, but  ample oxygen is not utilised to function the body system due to hypocapnia.

I shall try it again at bed time and see if I feel any improvement in my condition.

~ * ~

Symptoms listed at Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome site

• shortness of breath for no apparent reason
• frequent sighing or yawning
• chest pains
• heart palpitations
• sweating
• syncope (fainting)
• dizziness
• trembling
• slurred speech
• cold, tingling, or numb lips or extremities
• nausea or irritable bowel syndrome
• aching muscles or joints, or tremors
• tiredness, unsteadiness, or diffuse weakness
• restless sleep, insomnia, or nightmares
• sexual problems
• anxiety or phobias
• fear that perhaps you’re a hypochondriac
• dry mouth
• pressure in throat or difficulty swallowing
• bloating, belching, flatulence, or abdominal pain
• impaired memory or concentration
• confusion / disorientation
• tinnitis (ringing in ears)
• headaches
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, double vision, or flashing lights
• tachycardia (rapid pulse)
• depression
• erratic blood pressure

Symptoms listed for Hypocapnia at Carbon Dioxide in Blood from Buzzle.com

• Visual disturbances.
• Anxiety.
• Transient dizziness in the person.
• Muscle cramps.
• Blackouts.