What are the symptoms of elevated carbon dioxide combining power?

Elevated carbon dioxide combining power is commonly seen in metabolic alkalosis and respiratory acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis mainly presents as shallow and slow breathing, increased neuromuscular excitability, and central nervous system dysfunction. Respiratory acidosis may cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, and drowsiness.

1. Metabolic Alkalosis

The common cause of metabolic alkalosis is excessive alkali supplementation. For example, gout patients who take alkaline tablets long-term or receive intravenous alkali therapy may develop overcorrection. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the body compensates to maintain pH stability within the range of 7.35–7.45, leading to metabolic alkalosis as a compensatory mechanism, which results in elevated carbon dioxide combining power. This can manifest as shallow and slow respiration, increased neuromuscular irritability, and impaired central nervous system function.

2. Respiratory Acidosis

Carbon dioxide combining power is an effective indicator for assessing metabolic acid-base disturbances. An elevated level typically reflects a compensatory response to respiratory acidosis. For instance, sedative-hypnotic drugs may lead to carbon dioxide retention. Since the brain is highly sensitive to changes in oxygen levels, the nervous system becomes affected, resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea, mental confusion, and somnolence.

It is recommended that individuals with elevated carbon dioxide combining power seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.