What is respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis is a condition where there is a decrease in blood pH that results primarily from an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body. When ventilation is inadequate, CO2 is not expelled efficiently, leading to its build-up in the bloodstream. This increase in CO2 results in the formation of carbonic acid, which decreases the pH of the blood, leading to acidosis.

In contrast, an increase in blood pH suggests alkalosis rather than acidosis, while an increased respiratory rate typically occurs as a compensatory response to elevations in CO2 levels, not when carbon dioxide is low. Furthermore, excessive oxygen in the blood does not directly relate to changes in acid-base balance related to carbon dioxide and would not lead to a state of respiratory acidosis. The defining characteristic of respiratory acidosis is the abnormally low pH caused by CO2 retention, making it vital to recognize its relationship with respiratory function and gas exchange.