Understanding Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory acidosis often occurs in conjunction with hypercapnia, which is an excessive build-up of carbon dioxide in the body. This accumulation disrupts the pH balance in the blood, prompting the kidneys to release more acid and absorb additional bicarbonate in an effort to restore normal levels.
Just like hypercapnia, respiratory acidosis can be either chronic or acute. The symptoms of respiratory acidosis are also similar and may include difficulty breathing, feelings of anxiety, involuntary muscle twitches, and mental disturbances. If left untreated, chronic respiratory acidosis can even lead to serious complications such as memory loss, hypertension, and heart failure.
Diagnosing Hypercapnia
When a patient exhibits symptoms of hypercapnia, a medical professional will conduct an arterial blood gas test to assess the levels of arterial CO2. Typically, normal CO2 levels fall within the range of 38 to 42 mm HG. However, if CO2 levels exceed 42 mm HG, the doctor is likely to diagnose the patient with hypercapnia. In cases where respiratory acidosis is suspected, the doctor may also examine the pH and bicarbonate levels. The results of these tests provide insights into whether the arterial pH levels are imbalanced, thereby confirming the presence of respiratory acidosis.