Respiratory acidosis results from a decrease in the elimination of CO2 by the lungs due to a decrease in alveolar ventilation. This causes an increase in pCO2, termed hypercapnia, and a decrease in the blood pH.
Initially, respiratory acidosis can be recognized by examining the blood pH to determine acidosis and then comparing the pCO2 and HCO3- levels. If the pH is less than 7.35 and the pCO2 is increased with a normal HCO3-, the body is in respiratory acidosis.
The body will compensate for the respiratory acidosis via the renal system. The kidneys increase H+ ion excretion and HCO3- retention, thus resulting in an increase in the pH.
