The lungs are supposed to remove the carbon dioxide from the body, but the problem called the respiratory acidosis occurs when lungs are not able to perform such a thing. This then leads to the imbalance of the acid-base and due to this the blood becomes acidic. If there is an excess of acid, there will be problems. We know this, but the problem may even be greater if this happens inside the human body. The problem we are talking about, the respiratory acidosis, is one of such problems and we will see what develops this diseases and how we can identify it. First, we will see what respiratory acidosis really is. We have mentioned the basis, which is the lung's inability to remove the carbon dioxide. Two types of this problem are possible. There is acute, which is associated with ventilation failure and which then causes acidity. This usually happens because of the central respiratory depression, which can be a result of many factors. The second type is called chronic and it can be a symptom of bigger problems, such as chronic pulmonary disease. Also, two diseases associated with the air passage narrowing, the emphysema and bronchitis, are refereed to this disease, and they can create breath shortage and breathing problems. It can also be developed due to the hypoventilation syndrome, which is connected with the obesity. All of this causes carbon dioxide level to rise along with the oxygen level.
Causes
One of the causes can be some airway affecting disease, such as asthma or chronic lung disease. These are two very common causes. Also, chest related problems may lead to the respiratory acidosis. These problems cause lungs to become weak and this decreased their capacity. The muscles and the nerves order the contacting and expanding of the lungs, and if they are affected by the disease, problems will occur. Breathing suppressing drugs, like high potency pain medications such as benzodiazepines, can also lead to the problem in question. Obesity is also one of the potential causes
Symptoms
Symptoms of this disease are irritability, wheezing, cough, reduced tendon reflexes, bounding pulse, pulmonary hypertension, warm skin, easy fatigue, sleepiness, breath shortness, lethargy and confusion. All of these symptoms may be signs of some other medical problem, so go to the doctor for a proper diagnose.
Treatment
The cause will determine the method of treatment, which usually involves bronchodilator drugs. This is done mainly for lung problems and it corrects the airways obstructions. Also, mechanical ventilation or non-invasive-positive pressure ventilation can be done. Elimination of smoking is a good idea since it can lead to respiratory acidosis. Also, health of a patient will impact the treatment in great way, since problems like respiratory failure, or poor organ functioning, can hamper treatment greatly.
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