Respiratory acidosis

Definition

Respiratory acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood due to impaired lung function leading to decreased pH levels. This can significantly affect cellular metabolism and overall pulmonary wellness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough CO2 from the body, often due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma.
2. Symptoms include confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath, and lethargy due to elevated CO2 levels.
3. Nutrition plays a critical role; high carbohydrate diets can worsen respiratory acidosis by increasing CO2 production during metabolism.
4. Patients with respiratory acidosis may benefit from a diet higher in fats and lower in carbohydrates to reduce CO2 production.
5. Monitoring arterial blood gases (ABGs) is essential for diagnosing and managing respiratory acidosis.

Review Questions

• What are common symptoms associated with respiratory acidosis?
• How does a high carbohydrate diet impact patients with respiratory acidosis?
• Why is monitoring arterial blood gases important in managing respiratory acidosis?

Related terms

Hypoventilation: A condition where inadequate ventilation leads to increased levels of CO2 in the blood.

Metabolic Acidosis: A condition characterized by an accumulation of acid or depletion of bicarbonate in the body, distinct from respiratory causes.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of progressive lung diseases that obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult, often linked with respiratory acidosis.