Daily Column

March 5th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
What medical information is obtained from a blood gas? What symptoms indicate that a blood gas be performed on a patient?

DEAR READER:
An arterial blood gas measures the acidity as well as the amount of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases in the blood. The test is primarily used for evaluation of patients who are unable to breathe properly and maintain normal pulmonary functions. If the oxygen level is down and the carbon dioxide is elevated, aggressive therapy is required. This generally includes nebulizer treatments, supplemental oxygen, inhalers and more. It is also vital to find the cause of the breathing difficulties. Pulmonary disorders are one of the most common but heart failure, drug overdose, kidney failure or other severe stress disorders may also cause an abnormal blood gas level.

Patients who have serious lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often require supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day. A blood gas is important in this instance to ensure that the patient is responding appropriately and is receiving a proper amount of oxygen.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Pulmonary Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.