Acidic blood can lead to increasingly serious symptoms, starting with sleepiness and progressing to coma.
Respiratory acidosis is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
This article looks at the symptoms and causes of respiratory acidosis plus how its diagnosed and treated.
Madelyn Goodnight / Verywell
Others may develop later.
Call 911
Severe respiratory acidosis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
If you suspect symptoms are developing, call 911 or get to an emergency room.
If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure, shock, and even death.
Hypoventilation makes blood carbon dioxide levels rise, which makes your blood more acidic.
These changes may be acute (from sudden illness) or chronic (from long-term diseases).
But as time goes by, they may not be able to keep compensating enough.
Higher numbers mean its more alkaline and lower numbers mean its more acidic.
The bodysacid-base balanceis usually a pH level between 7.35 and 7.45.
When it falls below 7.35, its called acidosis.
If it goes above 7.45, its called alkalosis.
As the diaphragm contracts, its drawn down and allows the lungs to fill with air.
As it relaxes, the lungs passively empty.
If the brainstems respiratory center is damaged, these signals arent sent and breathing is compromised.
Airway Blockage
Air can be blocked at various points before reaching your lungs.
The windpipe (trachea) can be obstructed.
Small grape-like sacs within the lungscalledalveolimay become stiff or filled with mucus.
A blocked airway may gradually lead to respiratory failure and acidosis.
Compromised blood flow, or lung tissue that cannot be adequately filled with air, both affect function.
Musculoskeletal Failure
Thediaphragmis primarily responsible for expanding and filling your lungs.
If this muscle fails, it can compromise your breathing.
Disorders that restrict lung expansion or weaken the muscles that aid breathing may gradually cause respiratory acidosis.
Sudden symptoms need emergency treatment.
Gradual symptoms arent usually as urgent but you should call your healthcare provider or get checked out soon.
Your healthcare provider has many tools available to help them identify respiratory acidosis.
Initial Blood Tests
Blood tests for respiratory acidosis reveal thecarbon dioxideand pH levels of your blood.
In chronic respiratory acidosis, the PaC02 may be elevated with a normal or near-normal acidity level.
This takes place if the kidneys compensate for acidosis.
This process generally lasts for between three and five days.
The standard treatment is to improve your breathing and address the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis.
CPAP and BiPAP deliver pressurized air through aface maskover your nose and sometimes your mouth.
That helps your lungs expel carbon dioxide.
It may help you avoidintubation(having a breathing tube in your throat) and being put on aventilator.
Oxygen Supplementation
If your blood oxygen level is low, you may be given additional oxygen.
If you need this treatment, youll be sedated and restrained so you dont accidentally rip out the tube.
Cause-Depended Treatments
Other treatments depend on the causes and contributing factors of your respiratory acidosis.
This is usually due to a breathing problem.
Treatment involves breathing assistance and resolving or managing the underlying cause(s).
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