What is the medical term for elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood?

The medical term for elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood is hypercapnia. When there is an excess of carbon dioxide, it indicates that the body is not effectively removing this gas, which can lead to respiratory problems or other complications. Hypercapnia can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory failure, or situations where ventilation is compromised.

In contrast, hypoxemia refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood, which does not address carbon dioxide levels. Acidosis describes an overall decrease in blood pH, often as a result of excess carbon dioxide or other metabolic issues, but it does not specifically refer to elevated carbon dioxide levels. Hypocapnia indicates low levels of carbon dioxide, which can occur in cases of hyperventilation, and is the opposite of hypercapnia. Therefore, hypercapnia is the correct term for elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.