Why Does Emphysema Cause Respiratory Alkalosis?
SDN members see fewer ads and full resolution images. Join our non-profit community! Why does emphysema cause respiratory ALKALOSIS? I get that in chronic bronchitis, the mucus plugs up the bronchioles and makes it hard for CO2 to get out, so PCO2 goes up and pH goes down. Since emphysema is also an obstructive lung disease, why does PCO2 not go up there as well? (Goljan pg 304) Easiest way to remember is that Emphysema, Asthma and COPD are obstructive pulmonary diseases which reduce FEV/FVC and thus you retain CO2 because you can't expire it as quickly. That's why the guys with really bad COPD turn blue. As for emphysema, you could theoretically become alkalotic but only because CO2's diffusion rate is limited only by surface area. But I doubt it. I get that in chronic bronchitis, the mucus plugs up the bronchioles and makes it hard for CO2 to get out, so PCO2 goes up and pH goes down. Since emphysema is also an obstructive lung disease, why does PCO2 not go up there as well? Don't remember ever learning this. I've always thought decrease CO2 expired--> chronic respiratory acidosis. May be wrong, but I don't think I am in this case. I believe, emphysema blows out alveoli (not really obstructive, in the literal sense of the word) so less gas exchange (due to less surface area) so tissues are oxygen starved. you need to increase ventilation rate which blows off co2, elevating blood ph. You might be confusing emphysema with pulmonary fibrosis. In pulmonary fibrosis (pink puffer) you breathe very quickly but shallowly, and you become alkalotic (it's the same reason why babies cry themselves into alkalosis) Emphysema, if anything, would cause a respiratory acidosis. Well that's what I thought too except it says clearly in Goljan that emphysema causes alkalosis. Error perha Continue reading >>
Acid-base Disturbance In Copd
Summarized from Bruno M, Valenti M. Acid-base disorders in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A pathophysiological review. J Bomedicine and Biotechnology (2012) Article ID 915150 8 pages ( available at :) Arterial blood gases are frequently useful in the clinical management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to assess both oxygenation and acid-base status. A recent review article focuses on disturbance of acid-base in these patients, which occurs in advanced disease when pulmonary gas exchange is so compromised that the rate of carbon dioxide production in the tissues exceeds the rate of carbon dioxide elimination by the lungs. The article begins with an explanation of how the resulting carbon dioxide accumulation in blood leads to respiratory acidosis, the acid-base disturbance that commonly occurs in advanced COPD. An important distinction is made between acute and chronic respiratory acidosis; compensation is less effective in the former. Then follows a detailed description of the several renal mechanisms involved in the compensatory response to chronic respiratory acidosis. Although this mitigates the acidosis to a considerable extent, it often does not result in normalisation of pH. The deleterious effects of acidosis are enumerated and the authors also briefly review the epidemiological study that links severity of acidosis to poorer outcome among COPD patients. The significance of renal compensatory mechanisms is highlighted again in the discussion of the co-existence of renal failure in patients with COPD who to a greater or lesser extent lack these mechanisms and thereby have worse acidosis and poorer outcome. Many COPD patients with respiratory acidosis are suffering other conditions or prescribed drugs that affect Continue reading >>
Respiratory Acidosis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Respiratory acidosis develops when air exhaled out of the lungs does not adequately exchange the carbon dioxide formed in the body for the inhaled oxygen in air. There are many conditions or situations that may lead to this. One of the conditions that can reduce the ability to adequately exhale carbon dioxide (CO2) is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. CO2 that is not exhaled can shift the normal balance of acids and bases in the body toward acidic. The CO2 mixes with water in the body to form carbonic acid. With chronic respiratory acidosis, the body partially makes up for the retained CO2 and maintains acid-base balance near normal. The body's main response is an increase in excretion of carbonic acid and retention of bicarbonate base in the kidneys. Medical treatment for chronic respiratory acidosis is mainly treatment of the underlying illness which has hindered breathing. Treatment may also be applied to improve breathing directly. Respiratory acidosis can also be acute rather than chronic, developing suddenly from respiratory failure. Emergency medical treatment is required for acute respiratory acidosis to: Regain healthful respiration Restore acid-base balance Treat the causes of the respiratory failure Here are some key points about respiratory acidosis. More detail and supporting information is in the main article. Respiratory acidosis develops when decreased breathing fails to get rid of CO2 formed in the body adequately The pH of blood, as a measure of acid-base balance, is maintained near normal in chronic respiratory acidosis by compensating responses in the body mainly in the kidney Acute respiratory acidosis requires emergency treatment Tipping acid-base balance to acidosis When acid levels in the body are in balance with the base levels in t Continue reading >>
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory acidosis is a medical emergency in which decreased ventilation (hypoventilation) increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and decreases the blood's pH (a condition generally called acidosis). Carbon dioxide is produced continuously as the body's cells respire, and this CO2 will accumulate rapidly if the lungs do not adequately expel it through alveolar ventilation. Alveolar hypoventilation thus leads to an increased PaCO2 (a condition called hypercapnia). The increase in PaCO2 in turn decreases the HCO3−/PaCO2 ratio and decreases pH. Terminology[edit] Acidosis refers to disorders that lower cell/tissue pH to < 7.35. Acidemia refers to an arterial pH < 7.36.[1] Types of respiratory acidosis[edit] Respiratory acidosis can be acute or chronic. In acute respiratory acidosis, the PaCO2 is elevated above the upper limit of the reference range (over 6.3 kPa or 45 mm Hg) with an accompanying acidemia (pH <7.36). In chronic respiratory acidosis, the PaCO2 is elevated above the upper limit of the reference range, with a normal blood pH (7.35 to 7.45) or near-normal pH secondary to renal compensation and an elevated serum bicarbonate (HCO3− >30 mm Hg). Causes[edit] Acute[edit] Acute respiratory acidosis occurs when an abrupt failure of ventilation occurs. This failure in ventilation may be caused by depression of the central respiratory center by cerebral disease or drugs, inability to ventilate adequately due to neuromuscular disease (e.g., myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, muscular dystrophy), or airway obstruction related to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. Chronic[edit] Chronic respiratory acidosis may be secondary to many disorders, including COPD. Hypoventilation Continue reading >>
Acid-base Balance Flashcards | Quizlet
occurs when there is an excess of any body acid, except H2CO3 (carbonic acid) what are the two causes of metabolic acidosis? excess acid production can occur as a result of many conditions. what conditions? (4) -diabetic ketacidocis from total absence of insulin in the body -lactic acidosis,lack of oxygen in the tissues which cause production of lactic acid in tissues -kidney diseases, which prevent elimination of acid in the body how excess acid can appear in extracellular fluids? (amount of what where) explain what happens as result of these concentrations -as excess of K+ into cells, H+ comes out -excessive diarrhea, which causes the lose of bicarbonate, which is plentiful in intestinal fluid what happens in emphysema? how affect plasma? -alveolar walls disintegrate over time, producing large air spaces that remain filled with gases during expiration -This condition reduces the surface area in the lung available for exchange of O2 and CO2 -As a result of this process, CO2 becomes trapped in the alveoli and plasma levels of CO2 rise what is the cause of respiratory alkalosis? (2) b. elimination of too much CO2 or build up of CO2 in the body Respiratory alkalosis occurs whe too much CO2 is eliminated form the body because of hyperventilation acidosis 2 reasons? (think about levels of H+, base, HCO3-) alkalosis 2 reasons? (think about levels of H+, base, HCO3-) b. urinary reabsorption and generation of HCO3- cause of acidosis? (respiratory related, what rises) -defective exchange of gases in the lungs chemical equation for reaction between CO2 and H2O As a result of respiration alkalosis, which direction will this reaction go? the equilibrium reaction shifts to the left as CO2 is blown off which of the following would be observed in simple, uncompensated respiratory al Continue reading >>
Respiratory Acidosis
Practice Essentials Respiratory acidosis is an acid-base balance disturbance due to alveolar hypoventilation. Production of carbon dioxide occurs rapidly and failure of ventilation promptly increases the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2). [1] The normal reference range for PaCO2 is 35-45 mm Hg. Alveolar hypoventilation leads to an increased PaCO2 (ie, hypercapnia). The increase in PaCO2, in turn, decreases the bicarbonate (HCO3–)/PaCO2 ratio, thereby decreasing the pH. Hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis ensue when impairment in ventilation occurs and the removal of carbon dioxide by the respiratory system is less than the production of carbon dioxide in the tissues. Lung diseases that cause abnormalities in alveolar gas exchange do not typically result in alveolar hypoventilation. Often these diseases stimulate ventilation and hypocapnia due to reflex receptors and hypoxia. Hypercapnia typically occurs late in the disease process with severe pulmonary disease or when respiratory muscles fatigue. (See also Pediatric Respiratory Acidosis, Metabolic Acidosis, and Pediatric Metabolic Acidosis.) Acute vs chronic respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis can be acute or chronic. In acute respiratory acidosis, the PaCO2 is elevated above the upper limit of the reference range (ie, >45 mm Hg) with an accompanying acidemia (ie, pH < 7.35). In chronic respiratory acidosis, the PaCO2 is elevated above the upper limit of the reference range, with a normal or near-normal pH secondary to renal compensation and an elevated serum bicarbonate levels (ie, >30 mEq/L). Acute respiratory acidosis is present when an abrupt failure of ventilation occurs. This failure in ventilation may result from depression of the central respiratory center by one or another of the foll Continue reading >>
Irocket Learning Module: Intro To Arterial Blood Gases, Pt. 1
Emphysema: When the blood pH is chronically low from long-standing respiratory acidosis, the kidney will hold on to bicarbonate to neutralize the excess acid. As you remember, with emphysema a person has difficulty exhaling. As a result, they cannot blow off CO2 efficiently which results in chronically elevated levels of PaCO2. In fact, it is not unusual for a person with emphysema to chronically have a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg - 60 mm Hg. Without renal compensation to maintain acid-base homeostasis, the pH would be approximately 7.24 - 7.32. The kidney can retain bicarbonate and neutralize some of this excess acid. As a result, the compensated pH would be approximately 7.34 - 7.37 (which is low normal). High altitude travel: When the pH is chronically high from long-standing respiratory alkalosis, the kidney can dump bicarbonate (into the urine) to reduce the alkalemia. Chronic respiratory alkalosis is commonly seen during high altitude travel. At altitude there is less oxygen to breathe; we tend to breathe faster and deeper as we attempt to breathe in more oxygen. As we increase our ventilatory rate and depth we also blow off more CO2 ("hyperventilate"), losing acid through our lungs, and become alkalemic. After a few days at altitude, our kidneys begin to dump bicarbonate in order to reduce the elevated blood pH. Altitude sickness is caused by hypoxemia secondary to the low concentration of oxygen at altitude. This low PaO2 damages capillary endothelium causing the capillaries to become leaky. As a result, tissues become edematous; brain swelling causes headache, nausea and altered mental status; pulmonary edema causes shortness of breath and respiratory distress. When we become hypoxemic, the O2 receptors in the carotid bodies stimulate us to breathe more, thus increasing Continue reading >>
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Respiratory Acidosis
Causes of respiratory acidosis include: Diseases of the lung tissue (such as pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring and thickening of the lungs) Diseases of the chest (such as scoliosis) Diseases affecting the nerves and muscles that signal the lungs to inflate or deflate Drugs that suppress breathing (including powerful pain medicines, such as narcotics, and "downers," such as benzodiazepines), often when combined with alcohol Severe obesity, which restricts how much the lungs can expand Obstructive sleep apnea Chronic respiratory acidosis occurs over a long time. This leads to a stable situation, because the kidneys increase body chemicals, such as bicarbonate, that help restore the body's acid-base balance. Acute respiratory acidosis is a condition in which carbon dioxide builds up very quickly, before the kidneys can return the body to a state of balance. Some people with chronic respiratory acidosis get acute respiratory acidosis because an illness makes their condition worse. Continue reading >>
Shared Flashcard Set
Details Title Acid Base Balance Description Acid Base Balance Total Cards 214 Subject Nursing Level Undergraduate 2 Created 10/14/2012 Click here to study/print these flashcards. Create your own flash cards! Sign up here. Additional Nursing Flashcards Cards Term An opioid drug overdose would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Pulmonary Edema would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Chest trauma would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Neuromuscular disease would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term COPD would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Airway obstruction would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Pneumonia would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term TB would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Emphysema would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Asthma would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Cigarrette smoking would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term Pleural effusion would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance? Definition Respiratory Acidosis Term What is pleural effusion? Definition excess fluid that accumulates in the pleura, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs Pleural effusion is excess fluid that accu Continue reading >>
Acidosis, Respiratory | Definition Of Acidosis, Respiratory By Medical Dictionary
Acidosis, respiratory | definition of Acidosis, respiratory by Medical dictionary Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood produces a shift in the body's pH balance and causes the body's system to become more acidic. This condition is brought about by a problem either involving the lungs and respiratory system or signals from the brain that control breathing. Respiratory acidosis is an acid imbalance in the body caused by a problem related to breathing. In the lungs, oxygen from inhaled air is exchanged for carbon dioxide from the blood. This process takes place between the alveoli (tiny air pockets in the lungs) and the blood vessels that connect to them. When this exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide is impaired, the excess carbon dioxide forms an acid in the blood. The condition can be acute with a sudden onset, or it can develop gradually as lung function deteriorates. Respiratory acidosis can be caused by diseases or conditions that affect the lungs themselves, such as emphysema , chronic bronchitis , asthma, or severe pneumonia . Blockage of the airway due to swelling, a foreign object, or vomit can induce respiratory acidosis. Drugs like anesthetics, sedatives, and narcotics can interfere with breathing by depressing the respiratory center in the brain. Head injuries or brain tumors can also interfere with signals sent by the brain to the lungs. Such neuromuscular diseases as Guillain-Barr syndrome or myasthenia gravis can impair the muscles around the lungs making it more difficult to breathe. Conditions that cause chronic metabolic alkalosis can also trigger respiratory acidosis. The most notable symptom will be slowed or difficult breathing. Headache , drowsiness, restlessness, tremor, and confusion may also occu Continue reading >>
Acid-base Disorders In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pathophysiological Review
Acid-Base Disorders in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pathophysiological Review Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy Received 29 September 2011; Accepted 26 October 2011 Copyright 2012 Cosimo Marcello Bruno and Maria Valenti. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The authors describe the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to development of acidosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its deleterious effects on outcome and mortality rate. Renal compensatory adjustments consequent to acidosis are also described in detail with emphasis on differences between acute and chronic respiratory acidosis. Mixed acid-base disturbances due to comorbidity and side effects of some drugs in these patients are also examined, and practical considerations for a correct diagnosis are provided. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. Its prevalence varies according to country, age, and sex. On the basis of epidemiologic data, the projection for 2020 indicates that COPD will be the third leading cause of death worldwide and the fifth leading cause of disability [ 1 ]. About 15% of COPD patients need admission to general hospital or intensive respiratory care unit for acute exacerbation, leading to greater use of medical resources and increased costs [ 2 5 ]. Even though the overall prognosis of COPD patients is lately improved, the mortality rate remains high, and, among others, acid-base disorders occurring in these subjects can affect the outcome. The aim of this pa Continue reading >>
Merck And The Merck Manuals
Acidosis is caused by an overproduction of acid in the blood or an excessive loss of bicarbonate from the blood (metabolic acidosis) or by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from poor lung function or depressed breathing (respiratory acidosis). If an increase in acid overwhelms the body's acid-base control systems, the blood will become acidic. As blood pH drops (becomes more acidic), the parts of the brain that regulate breathing are stimulated to produce faster and deeper breathing (respiratory compensation). Breathing faster and deeper increases the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. The kidneys also try to compensate by excreting more acid in the urine. However, both mechanisms can be overwhelmed if the body continues to produce too much acid, leading to severe acidosis and eventually heart problems and coma. The acidity or alkalinity of any solution, including blood, is indicated on the pH scale. Metabolic acidosis develops when the amount of acid in the body is increased through ingestion of a substance that is, or can be broken down (metabolized) to, an acid—such as wood alcohol (methanol), antifreeze (ethylene glycol), or large doses of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Metabolic acidosis can also occur as a result of abnormal metabolism. The body produces excess acid in the advanced stages of shock and in poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (diabetic ketoacidosis). Even the production of normal amounts of acid may lead to acidosis when the kidneys are not functioning normally and are therefore not able to excrete sufficient amounts of acid in the urine. Major Causes of Metabolic Acidosis Diabetic ketoacidosis (buildup of ketoacids) Drugs and substances such as acetazolamide, alcohols, and aspirin Lactic acidosis (buildup of lactic acid Continue reading >>
26.5 Disorders Of Acid-base Balance Anatomy And Physiology
Glycolic acid, and some oxalic and formic acids* The first three of the eight causes of metabolic acidosis listed are medical (or unusual physiological) conditions. Strenuous exercise can cause temporary metabolic acidosis due to the production of lactic acid. The last five causes result from the ingestion of specific substances. The active form of aspirin is its metabolite, sulfasalicylic acid. An overdose of aspirin causes acidosis due to the acidity of this metabolite. Metabolic acidosis can also result from uremia, which is the retention of urea and uric acid. Metabolic acidosis can also arise from diabetic ketoacidosis, wherein an excess of ketones is present in the blood. Other causes of metabolic acidosis are a decrease in the excretion of hydrogen ions, which inhibits the conservation of bicarbonate ions, and excessive loss of bicarbonate ions through the gastrointestinal tract due to diarrhea. Metabolic Alkalosis: Primary Bicarbonate Excess Metabolic alkalosis is the opposite of metabolic acidosis. It occurs when the blood is too alkaline (pH above 7.45) due to too much bicarbonate (called primary bicarbonate excess). A transient excess of bicarbonate in the blood can follow ingestion of excessive amounts of bicarbonate, citrate, or antacids for conditions such as stomach acid refluxknown as heartburn. Cushings disease, which is the chronic hypersecretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) by the anterior pituitary gland, can cause chronic metabolic alkalosis. The oversecretion of ACTH results in elevated aldosterone levels and an increased loss of potassium by urinary excretion. Other causes of metabolic alkalosis include the loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach through vomiting, potassium depletion due to the use of diuretics for hypertension, and Continue reading >>
Respiratory Acidosis
What is respiratory acidosis? Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. Excess CO2 causes the pH of blood and other bodily fluids to decrease, making them too acidic. Normally, the body is able to balance the ions that control acidity. This balance is measured on a pH scale from 0 to 14. Acidosis occurs when the pH of the blood falls below 7.35 (normal blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45). Respiratory acidosis is typically caused by an underlying disease or condition. This is also called respiratory failure or ventilatory failure. Normally, the lungs take in oxygen and exhale CO2. Oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood. CO2 passes from the blood into the lungs. However, sometimes the lungs can’t remove enough CO2. This may be due to a decrease in respiratory rate or decrease in air movement due to an underlying condition such as: There are two forms of respiratory acidosis: acute and chronic. Acute respiratory acidosis occurs quickly. It’s a medical emergency. Left untreated, symptoms will get progressively worse. It can become life-threatening. Chronic respiratory acidosis develops over time. It doesn’t cause symptoms. Instead, the body adapts to the increased acidity. For example, the kidneys produce more bicarbonate to help maintain balance. Chronic respiratory acidosis may not cause symptoms. Developing another illness may cause chronic respiratory acidosis to worsen and become acute respiratory acidosis. Initial signs of acute respiratory acidosis include: headache anxiety blurred vision restlessness confusion Without treatment, other symptoms may occur. These include: sleepiness or fatigue lethargy delirium or confusion shortness of breath coma The chronic form of Continue reading >>
Respiratory Acidosis Nclex Review Notes
Are you studying respiratory acidosis and need to know a mnemonic on how to remember the causes? This article will give you a clever mnemonic and simplify the signs and symptoms and nursing interventions on how to remember respiratory acidosis for nursing lecture exams and NCLEX. In addition, you will learn how to differentiate respiratory acidosis from respiratory alkalosis. Don’t forget to take the respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis quiz. This article will cover: Sequence of normal breathing Patho of respiratory acidosis Causes of respiratory acidosis Signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis Nursing interventions for respiratory acidosis Lecture on Respiratory Acidosis Respiratory Acidosis What’s involved:…let’s look at normal breathing: Oxygen enters through the mouth or nose down through the Pharynx into the Larynx (the throat) then into the Trachea and the Bronchus (right and left) which branches into the bronchioles and ends in alveoli sac *The alveolar sacs are where gas exchange takes place (oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across the membrane). The oxygen enters into your blood stream and CARBON DIOXIDE CO2 is exhaled through your nose or mouth. The diaphragm also plays a role in allowing lungs into inflate and deflate. Note: if there is any problem with the patient breathing rate (too slow), alveolar sacs (damaged), or diaphragm (weak) the patient can experience respiratory acidosis. *Main cause of respiratory acidosis is bradypnea (slow respiratory rate <12 bpm which causes CO2 to build-up in the lungs) When this happens the following lab values are affected: Blood pH decreases (<7.35) Carbon dioxide levels increase (>45) **To compensate for this the Kidneys start to conserve bicarbonate (HCO3) to hopefully increase the blood’s pH bac Continue reading >>
