Answer Key — Hypercapnia
True – Hypercapnia means there is too much carbon dioxide (CO₂) in your blood.
True – Healthy lungs normally remove CO₂ when you breathe out.
True – Chronic lung diseases like COPD are common causes of hypercapnia.
True – Severe sleep apnea can stop breathing during sleep, leading to CO₂ buildup.
False – Being overweight can affect breathing and increase CO₂ levels, especially in obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
True – Headaches and confusion can happen when CO₂ levels are high.
True – CPAP and BiPAP machines help move air in and out, lowering CO₂.
True – Smoking damages the lungs and can make hypercapnia worse.
True – Red or flushed skin can be a symptom of high CO₂.
False – Inhalers are sometimes used to open airways and help treat hypercapnia.
True – Non-invasive ventilation (like CPAP or BiPAP) helps air move in and out without surgery.
True – Sedative medicines can slow breathing and should only be used if your doctor approves.
True – Lung infections like pneumonia can make it harder to remove CO₂.
False – Skipping breathing treatments can allow CO₂ levels to rise and cause harm.
True – Morning headaches may be an early sign of CO₂ buildup during sleep.
True – Staying active helps keep lungs strong and improves breathing.
True – Smaller meals reduce bloating, which can make breathing easier.
True – In some lung diseases, oxygen must be given carefully so CO₂ does not build up further.
True – Untreated hypercapnia can cause respiratory failure, coma, or death.
True – Shortness of breath that is worse than usual should be reported to your doctor right away.