Respiratory Acidosis

[TanveerDhaliwal3G]

What causes respiratory acidosis?

[205296774]

The pH of the blood is monitored by the ratio of H2CO3 and HCO3-, and when one increases or decreases too much, it affects the acidity or basicity. Respiratory acidosis occurs when one does not get enough O2 and has an accumulation of CO2, instead. This CO2 reacts with water to produce carbonic acid (H2CO3). The ratio is altered in favor of carbonic acid, lowering your pH to make your blood more acidic. Since humans are incredibly susceptible to changes, this pH difference can lead to death.

Hope this helped!

[Kavya Immadisetty 2B]

Just a note on this topic: blood usually has a ph of 7.35-7.45 so technically even 7 is acidic

[Jacob Motawakel]

When there is too much CO2 in our bodies, it reacts with H20 and creates an acid H2CO3, which lowers the pH in our blood (acidosis).

[Michael Sun Dis 3G]

Decreased respiration can result in respiratory acidosis, as it raises the concentration of CO2 and H2CO3 in the blood, decreasing its pH.