HYPOCAPNIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hypocapnia is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. It is derived from the combination of the Greek prefix "hypo," which means under or below, and "kapnos," which means smoke or carbon dioxide. The condition occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2 from the body or insufficient production of CO2.
During normal respiration, the body takes in oxygen and releases CO2 as a waste product. Hypocapnia typically arises when there is an imbalance in this respiratory process. It can be caused by various factors, including hyperventilation or rapid and shallow breathing, which leads to excessive elimination of CO2. Other causes may involve certain medical conditions such as asthma, lung diseases, or severe infections.
Symptoms of hypocapnia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common signs include dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, confusion, increased heart rate, tingling sensations, and muscle spasms. In severe cases, hypocapnia might lead to fainting or loss of consciousness.
Treatment of hypocapnia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If it is related to hyperventilation or anxiety, techniques such as deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques may be helpful. Medical intervention might be necessary in cases where the condition is caused by an underlying health problem. In those instances, treatment may involve medications or therapies aimed at managing the primary condition and restoring normal CO2 levels.
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A slight degree of acapnia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCAPNIA
- gypocapnia
- bypocapnia
- nypocapnia
- jypocapnia
- uypocapnia
- yypocapnia
- htpocapnia
- hgpocapnia
- hhpocapnia
- hupocapnia
- h7pocapnia
- h6pocapnia
- hyoocapnia
- hylocapnia
- hy-ocapnia
- hy0ocapnia
- hypicapnia
- hypkcapnia
- hyplcapnia
Etymology of HYPOCAPNIA
The word hypocapnia is derived from two roots: hypo- and -capnia.
1. Hypo- is a prefix in the English language that originates from the Greek word hypo, meaning under or less than. It is commonly used to indicate something being in a lower or lesser state or condition.
2. -Capnia is a suffix derived from the Greek word kapnos, which means smoke. In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the presence or level of carbon dioxide in the body.
Therefore, when combined, hypocapnia literally means less than normal levels of carbon dioxide.
