Overview
Respiratory acidosis is a process by which reduced effective ventilation results in carbon dioxide retention.
Pathogenesis
Causes of Respiratory Acidosis
- Hypoventilation - drugs, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, encephalopathy, neuromuscular disease, chest wall abnormalities
- Dead space ventilation - emphysema
Diagnosis
Blood Gas Findings
- Reduced pH (acidaemia) with increased PaCO₂.
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