Respiratory drive is primarily regulated by the extent of carbon dioxide within the blood. Nonetheless, a secondary mechanism exists whereby chronically elevated carbon dioxide ranges desensitize the central chemoreceptors. On this state of affairs, a decreased oxygen stage turns into the first stimulus for respiration.
This physiological adaptation is especially related in people with persistent obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD). Supplying extreme supplemental oxygen to those sufferers can inadvertently suppress the low-oxygen stimulus, probably resulting in hypoventilation, elevated carbon dioxide retention, and, in extreme instances, respiratory failure. Understanding this phenomenon is essential for acceptable oxygen remedy administration.
