Hypercarbia vs. Hypercapnia — What's the Difference?

(medicine) the condition of having an abnormally high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood

Hypercapnia (from the Greek hyper = "above" or "too much" and kapnos = "smoke"), also known as hypercarbia and CO2 retention, is a condition of abnormally elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. Carbon dioxide is a gaseous product of the body's metabolism and is normally expelled through the lungs.

The presence of an abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the circulating blood

An abnormally high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, usually caused by acute respiratory failure from conditions such as asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease. It can lead to seizures and death if acute and untreated.

Carbon dioxide poisoning due to abnormally high concentrations of carbon dioxide in an organism's environment.

The condition of having an abnormally high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood

The presence of an abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the circulating blood