Respiratory Acidosis Causes:

Respiratory acidosis may be caused by several pulmonary disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Guillain-Barré syndrome, and muscular dystrophy.

Respiratory acidosis often occurs as a result of alveolar hypoventilation.

When the qualtity of carbon dioxide removed by the respiratory system falls below the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the tissues, it results in increased PaCO2 (hypercapnia), which in turn results in a lower pH and altering of the acid-base balance of the respiratory system.

While acute respiratory acidosis results from a sudden failure of the respiratory system, chronic respiratory acidosis usually occurs secondary to disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, respiratory muscle fatigue, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (pickwickian syndrome), as well as a host of restrictive pulmonary diseases.

Respiratory Acidosis Symptoms:

Even though the Respiratory Acidosis symptoms are largely dependent upon the underlying respiratory dysfunction, almost all respiratory acidosis patients experience breathlessness, chronic cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, lethargy, and wheezing.

Respiratory Acidosis Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of respiratory acidosis often includes evaluation of Arterial blood gas levels, Chest radiographs, CAT scans, and Pulmonary function tests.

Respiratory Acidosis Treatment:

Treatment for respiratory acidosis usually includes: Bronchodilator drugs, Supplimental oxygen therapy, Smoking cessation, Weight loss program (in case of pickwickian syndrome), Non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation. In some cases, use of mechanical ventilators may also be warranted.

Respiratory Acidosis Prognosis:

The overall prognosis/survival-rate of respiratory acidosis patients depends entirely upon the underlying respiratory disorder, and their access to health care. Unless blood oxygen levels are restored quickly, those having very low blood oxygen levels at often at an increased risk of developing compliations such as low blood pressure, degradation of mental capacity, confusion, and shock.

Respiratory Acidosis Prevention:

Smoking cessation, and weight loss (especially for patients suffering from obesity hypoventilation syndrome or pickwickian syndrome) goes a long way toward preventing many respiratory disorders that cause respiratory acidosis.

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