What is the leading cause of respiratory acidosis?

Answer 1

Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove all of the carbon dioxide produced by the body. As a result, body fluids become too acidic. This can be cause by almost any lung disease, such as Asthma, or by a deadly habit like cigarette smoking.

via cpo focus on physical science textbook page 197 first paragraph

Answer 2

The condition when the lungs cannot excrete all of the carbon dioxide produced by the body is known as respiratory acidosis. The common causes of this condition are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disorders (such as multiple sclerosis), asthma, and severe obesity (which can interfere with expansion of the lungs).

Answer 3

Definition

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition marked by low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to breathing excessively.

See also: Alkalosis

Alternative Names

Alkalosis - respiratory

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Common causes include:

• Anxiety
• Fever
• Hyperventilation

Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath can also cause respiratory alkalosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Light-headedness
• Numbness of the hands and feet

Signs and tests

• Arterial blood gas (measures levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood; in respiratory alkalosis, the level of carbon dioxide is too low)
• Chest x-ray
• Pulmonary function test

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag -- or using a mask that causes you to re-breathe carbon dioxide -- sometimes helps reduce symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

What will happen depends on the condition that is causing the respiratory alkalosis.

Complications

Seizures may occur if the alkalosis is extremely severe. This is very rare.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of lung disease, such as chronic cough or shortness of breath.

References

Seifter JL. Acid base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 119.

Answer 4

Definition

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition marked by low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to breathing excessively.

See also: Alkalosis

Alternative Names

Alkalosis - respiratory

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Common causes include:

• Anxiety
• Fever
• Hyperventilation

Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath can also cause respiratory alkalosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Numbness of the hands and feet

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:

• Arterial blood gas, which measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood
• Chest x-ray
• Pulmonary function test

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag -- or using a mask that causes you to re-breathe carbon dioxide -- sometimes helps reduce symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

What will happen depends on the condition that is causing the respiratory alkalosis.

Complications

Seizures may occur if the alkalosis is extremely severe. This is very rare.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of lung disease, such as chronic cough or shortness of breath.

References

Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 120.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 08/13/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Answer 5

hig rate or tidal volume on vent settings. hyperventilating anxiety