Respiratory acidosisDefinition: Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs cannot remove all of the carbon dioxide�produced by the body. This creates a disruption in the body's acid-base balance. Body�fluids become excessively acidic.
Alternative Names: Ventilatory failure; Respiratory failure; Acidosis - respiratory
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Respiratory acidosis can result from�lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe asthma. Other conditions that may lead to respiratory acidosis include: Chronic respiratory acidosis occurs over a long period of time. This�leads to a stable situation. This is because the kidneys increase chemicals that�help restore the body's acid-base balance. Acute respiratory acidosis is a severe condition in which�the carbon dioxide builds up very quickly.
Symptoms: Symptoms may include shortness of breath, easy fatigue, chronic cough, or wheezing. When respiratory acidosis becomes severe, confusion, irritability, or lethargy may occur.
Signs and tests: A chest x-ray or CT scan may be done to diagnose possible lung disease. � Pulmonary function tests � may help diagnose lung disease. Arterial blood gases can tell how bad the respiratory acidosis is, and may detect abnormal oxygen levels.
Treatment: Treatment is aimed at the underlying lung disease, and may include: - Methods to stop smoking (this is extremely important)
- Bronchodilator drugs to reverse�some airway obstruction
- Oxygen if the blood oxygen level is low
- Non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation or mechanical ventilation if the respiratory acidosis is severe
Expectations (prognosis): How well a patient does depends on the�disease causing the respiratory acidosis.
Complications: - Respiratory�failure
- Poor organ function
- Shock
Calling your health care provider: Severe respiratory acidosis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help if you have symptoms of this condition. Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of lung disease.
Prevention: Do not smoke. Smoking leads to the�development of many severe lung diseases that can lead to respiratory acidosis. Losing weight may help prevent obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
References: Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000: 191-192.� Marx J. Rosen�s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1716-1717. Ford MD,�Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001:92.
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