Respiratory acidosis doesn't make sense?

  • Thread starter sameeralord
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In summary, respiratory acidosis is a medical condition caused by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base levels. This can occur when the lungs are unable to effectively remove carbon dioxide, often due to underlying conditions such as lung disease or respiratory muscle weakness. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, confusion, and fatigue, and treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause and restoring the body's acid-base balance through medication or mechanical ventilation. While prevention may not always be possible, maintaining good lung health can help reduce the risk of developing respiratory acidosis.
  • #1
sameeralord
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Hello everyone,

C02 + H20 <---> H+ + HCO3-

Now in respiratory acidosis. You breathe slowly retaining more carbon dioxide. Ok this would shift the reaction to the right but how does it raise the PH. HCO3- also raised the same amount. Thank you :smile:
 
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  • #2
It doesn't raise the pH. Remember that increasing the pH means that the medium has become more basic.
pH will go down with increased H+ concentration.
 

1. What is respiratory acidosis and how does it occur?

Respiratory acidosis is a medical condition in which the body's pH levels become too acidic due to decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can occur when the lungs are unable to remove enough carbon dioxide from the body, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance.

2. Why is respiratory acidosis considered "illogical" or not making sense?

Respiratory acidosis may seem illogical because the body's natural response to an increase in carbon dioxide levels is to increase breathing rate, which would decrease carbon dioxide levels and restore balance. However, in certain conditions such as lung disease or respiratory muscle weakness, the body may not be able to effectively compensate for the excess carbon dioxide.

3. What are the symptoms of respiratory acidosis?

The symptoms of respiratory acidosis may include shortness of breath, confusion, fatigue, headache, and in severe cases, coma. These symptoms are due to the body's attempt to restore balance and compensate for the excess acid.

4. How is respiratory acidosis diagnosed and treated?

Respiratory acidosis is diagnosed through blood tests to measure the levels of carbon dioxide and pH in the blood. Treatment may include addressing the underlying cause, such as treating lung disease or providing mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to help restore the body's acid-base balance.

5. Can respiratory acidosis be prevented?

In most cases, respiratory acidosis is caused by an underlying condition, so prevention may not be possible. However, maintaining good lung health through avoiding smoking and exposure to pollutants, and managing chronic conditions such as COPD or asthma can help reduce the risk of developing respiratory acidosis.

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