Is a CO2 level of 20 low?

A normal result is between 23 and 29 mmol/L for adults but may vary by lab. A low CO2 level can be a sign of several conditions, including: Kidney disease.

What does a CO2 level of 21 mean?

Normal values in adults are 22 to 29 mmol/L or 22 to 29 mEq/L. Higher levels of carbon dioxide may mean you have: Metabolic alkalosis, or too much bicarbonate in your blood. Cushing disease.

What happens if carbon dioxide levels are low?

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when you breathe too fast or too deep and carbon dioxide levels drop too low. This causes the pH of the blood to rise and become too alkaline. When the blood becomes too acidic, respiratory acidosis occurs.

What is an unsafe carbon dioxide level?

This could occur when exposed to levels above 5,000 ppm for many hours. At even higher levels of CO2 can cause asphyxiation as it replaces oxygen in the blood-exposure to concentrations around 40,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health.

Can dehydration cause low CO2 levels?

Low values A low level may be caused by: Hyperventilation. Aspirin or alcohol overdose. Diarrhea, dehydration, or severe malnutrition.

What CO2 level is 19?

The normal range is 23 to 29 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or 23 to 29 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What are acceptable CO2 levels?

Normal CO2 Levels normal outdoor level: 350 – 450 ppm. acceptable levels: < 600 ppm. complaints of stuffiness and odors: 600 – 1000 ppm. ASHRAE and OSHA standards: 1000 ppm.

How does kidney disease cause low CO2?

Healthy kidneys remove acid from the body through urine and they keep the right amount of bicarbonate (base) in the blood. But in CKD, the kidneys can’t remove enough acid, which can lead to metabolic acidosis. The normal level of serum bicarbonate is 22-29 mEq/L.