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Alternative names Return to top
Chronic respiratory acidosis; Ventilatory failure; Respiratory failure; Acidosis - respiratoryDefinition Return to top
Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove all of the carbon dioxide (a normal by-product of metabolism) produced by the body. Because of this disturbance of the acid-base balance, body fluids become excessively acidic.
Respiratory acidosis can be a consequence of any lung disease that prevents removal of carbon dioxide. Common lung diseases that lead to respiratory acidosis include: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, or airway obstruction.
Other conditions that may lead to respiratory acidosis include: obesity hypoventilation syndrome, excessive fatigue of the diaphragm or muscles of the rib cage, or severe deformities of the spine and rib cage (for example, severe scoliosis).
In chronic respiratory acidosis, mild impairment of the lungs' ability to remove carbon dioxide occurs over a long period of time, leading to a stable situation. This is because the kidneys increase their retention of bicarbonate to maintain an acid-base balance in the blood that is almost normal.
In severe cases, the carbon dioxide builds up very quickly, leading to severe disturbances in the acid-base balance of the blood.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Nearly any lung disease may lead to respiratory acidosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of respiratory acidosis. COPD is most often caused by cigarette smoking.Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms of the diseases that cause respiratory acidosis are usually noticeable, and may include shortness of breath, easy fatigue, chronic cough, or wheezing.
When respiratory acidosis becomes severe, confusion, irritability, or lethargy may be apparent.
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is aimed at the underlying lung disease.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The prognosis depends on the underlying disease.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Prevention Return to top
Not smoking -- or quitting if you smoke -- can prevent the development of many severe lung diseases that can lead to respiratory acidosis. Obese patients may prevent obesity hypoventilation syndrome by losing weight.
Update Date: 1/27/2004 Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |