Osmosis video - Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory acidosis is a type of acid-base imbalance that occurs when the lungs fail to eliminate excess CO2, which builds up in the blood, causing blood pH to fall below 7.35. It can be caused by a variety of causes, including lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, which can limit the amount of oxygen that reaches the lungs and reduce the ability to exhale CO2.

Other causes of respiratory acidosis include brain injury or disease, which can disrupt the normal control of breathing, and certain medications, such as opioids, which can slow down breathing. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis can include shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, and drowsiness. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and even death. The diagnosis of respiratory acidosis is made by measuring the levels of CO2 and pH in the blood, and it is treated by addressing the underlying cause and providing supportive care, such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation.