Respiratory Acidosis

Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which there is an accumulation of acid in the blood due to inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is usually caused by a problem with respiration, such as when the lungs cannot effectively remove CO2 from the body. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, confusion, and shortness of breath. It is important to detect and treat respiratory acidosis as it can be a sign of serious underlying medical conditions, such as COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart failure. Treatment is typically with medications to improve the lungs’ ability to eliminate CO2 and supplemental oxygen in more severe cases.