Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the blood has an acid reaction caused by an increase in its concentration of carbon dioxide due to inadequate lung function or respiratory distress.
The amount of carbon dioxide in the blood is determined by the frequency and depth of breathing. Normally, if the carbon dioxide content rises, the pH of the blood decreases and the blood reaction becomes acidic. High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood stimulate the parts of the brain that regulate breathing, which in turn stimulate faster and deeper breathing.
Symptoms
The first symptoms are usually headaches and drowsiness. With increased respiratory acidosis, drowsiness can progress to stupor and coma, which develop within a few seconds if breathing stops or is significantly impaired, or within a few hours if breathing function worsens less sharply. The kidneys tend to compensate for acidosis by preserving bicarbonate, but this process takes many hours or several days.
- All symptoms: headache, decreased level of consciousness (stupor), increased drowsiness, coma.
Causes
Respiratory acidosis develops when the lungs do not remove excess carbon dioxide. This is observed in diseases accompanied by significant damage to the lungs: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, severe pneumonia, pulmonary edema, asthma. In addition, respiratory acidosis can occur if the mechanics of breathing are disturbed due to damage to nerves or muscles of the chest, and when breathing is suppressed as a result of taking drugs and strong sleeping pills.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of respiratory acidosis is based on the results of the analysis of blood pH and the measurement of carbon dioxide in the blood taken from the artery.
- Diagnostic methods: blood biochemistry, arterial blood gases analysis.
Treatment
Treatment of respiratory acidosis is aimed at improving lung function. People suffering from lung diseases, such as bronchial asthma and emphysema, need to take medications that help make breathing easier. With severe dysfunction of the lungs, regardless of its causes, artificial ventilation of the lungs using a special apparatus may be required.
- Methods of treatment: drug therapy, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, respiratory therapy.