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Respiratory acidosis: Difference between revisions
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=== Compensatory mechanism === | === Compensatory mechanism === | ||
The body cannot compensate for respiratory acidosis by stimulating ventilation, as ventilation is the problem in the first place. However, kidney compensation occurs similarly as for metabolic acidosis. Kidneys respond to acidosis by increasing urinary excretion of acids and decreasing urinary excretion of bicarbonate. This mechanism is slow, taking a few days to kick in. | The body cannot compensate for respiratory acidosis by stimulating ventilation, as ventilation is the problem in the first place. However, kidney compensation occurs similarly as for metabolic acidosis. Kidneys respond to acidosis by increasing urinary excretion of acids and decreasing urinary excretion of bicarbonate. This mechanism is slow, taking a few days to kick in. | ||
== Clinical features == | == Clinical features == | ||
Hypercapnia causes depressed consciousness, which may range from sluggishness to somnolence to coma. | Hypercapnia causes depressed consciousness, which may range from sluggishness to somnolence to coma. | ||
== Diagnosis and evaluation == | == Diagnosis and evaluation == | ||
[[Arterial blood gas]] is essential in the evaluation of acid-base disorders. It will give the pH, bicarbonate level, pCO2, pO2, and lactate levels. In respiratory acidosis, the pCO<sub>2</sub> level is elevated (> 45 mmHg). If there is acidaemia, the pH is < 7.35. | [[Arterial blood gas]] is essential in the evaluation of acid-base disorders. It will give the pH, bicarbonate level, pCO2, pO2, and lactate levels. In respiratory acidosis, the pCO<sub>2</sub> level is elevated (> 45 mmHg). If there is acidaemia, the pH is < 7.35. | ||
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== Management == | == Management == | ||
{{#lst:Respiratory failure|management}} | {{#lst:Respiratory failure|management}} | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
Severe acidaemia can cause fatal [[Ventricular arrhythmias|ventricular arrhythmia]] and depression of cardiac contractility, which may cause heart failure. The usually co-present hypoxaemia may also cause similar complications.<section end="A&IC" /><noinclude> | Severe acidaemia can cause fatal [[Ventricular arrhythmias|ventricular arrhythmia]] and depression of cardiac contractility, which may cause heart failure. The usually co-present hypoxaemia may also cause similar complications.<section end="A&IC" /><noinclude> | ||
[[Category:Pathophysiology]] | [[Category:Pathophysiology]] | ||
</noinclude> | </noinclude> | ||