What Can Cause Respiratory Acidosis?
Respiratory acidosis is a condition resulting from the lungs being unable to properly remove as much carbon dioxide as they're supposed to. When too much of the carbon dioxide produced by the body remains inside of the lungs, certain bodily fluids, as well as the pH of blood, will reduce substantially, which causes the blood to become acidic. Patients will begin to suffer from respiratory acidosis when their blood's pH dips below 7.40. The lungs are supposed to bring in oxygen while at the same time removing the carbon dioxide produced by the body. If the lungs are unable to get rid of enough carbon dioxide, it's likely the individual's respiratory rate or the movement of air in the lungs has worsened. Before treatment can begin, it's important to identify the cause so the appropriate method can be selected. Learn about the various causes of respiratory acidosis now.