Respiratory acidosis
Alternative Names
Ventilatory failure; Respiratory failure; Acidosis - respiratoryTreatment
Treatment is aimed at the underlying lung disease, and may include:
- Bronchodilator drugs to reverse some airway obstruction
- Methods to stop smoking
- Non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (sometimes called CPAP or BiPAP) or mechanical ventilation if needed
- Oxygen if the blood oxygen level is low
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well you do depends on the disease causing the respiratory acidosis.
Possible Complications
- Poor organ function
- Respiratory failure
- Shock
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Severe respiratory acidosis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help if you have symptoms of this condition.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of lung disease.
References
Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000: 191-192.
Marx J., Hockberger R, Walls R Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005.
Ford MD, Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001:92.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.