acidosis resulting from reduced gas exchange in the lungs (as in emphysema or pneumonia); excess carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid which increases the acidity of the blood
An abnormal physiological process in which there is a reduction in alveolar ventilation relative to the rate of CO2 production. It is reflected by a high pCO2 (pCO2 45 mmHg) and low pH. Treat by increasing ventilation.
Respiratory acidosis is acidosis (abnormal acidity of the blood) due to decreased ventilation of the pulmonary alveoli, leading to elevated arterial carbon dioxide concentration (PaCO2).