Many people don’t even realize they have hypercapnia.
In cases where it develops slowly over time and is extremely mild, you may not experience any symptoms at all. If symptoms do occur, they may include a mild shortness of breath, headaches, inability to think straight, or feeling drowsy or sleepy. People may confuse the signs with fatigue, being lack of sleep, and thought it will pass after taking some rest.
Because it’s so easy to miss the signs of mile hypercapnia, awareness is key.
On the other hand, symptoms of severe hypercapnia are more pronounced. Severe hypercapnia may eventually lead to respiratory failure and possibly death. Symptoms and signs may include:
- Paranoia, depression, and confusion, which may progress to coma
- Muscle twitches
- Seizures
- Dilation or widening of superficial veins in the skin
- Papilledema — a sign of increased pressure in the brain
