Respiratory Acidosis

Respiratory acidosis is primary CO2 retention (hypercapnia) from alveolar hypoventilation. Causes: CNS depression (drugs, central hypoventilation), neuromuscular disease (myasthenia, Guillain-Barre), chest-wall restriction, and COPD/severe airway disease. Clinical: headache, tachycardia, confusion, papilledema, and somnolence (CO2 narcosis). Treatment: improve alveolar ventilation (treat underlying cause, bronchodilators/NIV/mechanical ventilation); avoid excessive oxygen in COPD.

Common Symptoms

Headache; dyspnea; confusion; somnolence; papilledema; tachycardia; asterixis

Causes and Pathogenesis

Alveolar hypoventilation retains CO2, raising PaCO2 and lowering pH; cerebral vasodilation causes headache/papilledema.

Treatment

Improve ventilation; reverse CNS depressant; treat COPD exacerbation; NIV/mechanical ventilation; controlled oxygen in COPD

Preventive Measures

Treat COPD/neuromuscular disease; avoid respiratory depressants in at-risk.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Respiratory department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.