Causes Of Respiratory Acidosis

An acid base disorder is a change in the normal value of extracellular pH that may result when respiratory function is abnormal or when an acid or base load overwhelms excretory capacity. Acid base status is defined in terms of the plasma pH. The normal pH range level is between 7.35 and 7.45. Acidosis is a condition in which blood pH is below 7.35 and alkalosis is a condition in which blood pH is higher than 7.45. According to James L. Lewis, III, MD, “Acidosis and alkalosis are categorized as metabolic or respiratory, depending on their primary cause. Metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis are caused by an imbalance in the production of acids or bases and their excretion by the kidneys. Respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis are caused primarily by changes in carbon dioxide exhalation due to lung or breathing disorders.”

This can cause asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or sleep apnea. The compensatory mechanism for respiratory acidosis is the kidneys hold on to bicarbonate/ HCO3. To be treated for respiratory acidosis you first need to find the underlining cause. Antibiotics, diuretics (to reduce pressure on the heart and lungs), bronchodilators (to expand the airways), and corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation) are some ways to treat this disorder. One way to lower your risk of getting this disorder is to stop smoking. Smokers are at higher risk for chronic respiratory acidosis. It increases the risk of respiratory diseases and can have an adverse impact on overall quality of