Question

For respiratory acidosis and alkalosis: state a cause and explain what happens to the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of body fluids. (p. 362)

Short answer

#Short Answer# Respiratory acidosis is a condition where body fluids become overly acidic due to impaired lung function, such as in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This causes an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to increased acidity and a decreased pH. Respiratory alkalosis, on the other hand, is a condition where body fluids become overly alkaline due to decreased carbon dioxide levels caused by hyperventilation, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or high altitude. The reduced carbon dioxide levels result in decreased acidity and an increased pH, making body fluids more alkaline.

Step-by-step solution

Define Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the body's blood and other body fluids become overly acidic due to impaired lung function. Respiratory alkalosis, on the other hand, is a condition in which the body's blood and other body fluids become overly alkaline (or basic) due to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels caused by hyperventilation.

State a Cause for Respiratory Acidosis

A common cause of respiratory acidosis is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD impairs the lung's ability to exchange gases effectively, which results in an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Explain the Effect of Respiratory Acidosis on pH of Body Fluids

Due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood caused by impaired lung function, the body's blood and other body fluids become more acidic. This is because carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO\(_{3}^{-}\)). The increase in hydrogen ions leads to a decrease in pH, making the body fluids more acidic.

State a Cause for Respiratory Alkalosis

A common cause of respiratory alkalosis is hyperventilation, which can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or high altitude. Hyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing, which results in a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Explain the Effect of Respiratory Alkalosis on pH of Body Fluids

During hyperventilation, the rapid and deep breathing causes a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This leads to a decrease in the formation of carbonic acid and, consequently, a lower concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). The decrease in hydrogen ions leads to an increase in pH, making the body fluids more alkaline (or basic).

Key concepts

Understanding Blood pH Balance

The balance of pH in the blood is a delicate and vital aspect of human physiology. It's regulated within a narrow range of approximately 7.35 to 7.45, which is slightly basic. Maintaining this balance is critical for the proper functioning of cellular processes and overall bodily functions.

When this balance tips to either side—becoming too acidic or too basic—our body must quickly work to correct it. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body, leading to increased levels of carbonic acid and a reduction in pH. Conversely, respiratory alkalosis is the result of too little CO2, which decreases the carbonic acid and increases the pH.

The body has several mechanisms to regulate pH, including the respiratory system which modulates the levels of CO2 through breathing, and the kidneys which filter out excess acid or base. However, certain conditions, such as lung diseases or abnormal breathing patterns, can disrupt this homeostasis, leading to problems with pH balance.

COPD and Its Effect on Blood pH

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes breathing difficult. The common symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and mucus production. In terms of blood pH balance, COPD is notorious for leading to respiratory acidosis.

Because individuals with COPD struggle to expel CO2 efficiently due to damaged or narrowed airways, the gas accumulates in the blood. As CO2 levels rise, they combine with water to form carbonic acid, increasing the acidity of blood (lowering pH). This can be detected through a blood gas test that measures the acidity and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Treatment strategies for managing COPD often focus on improving airflow and gas exchange to stabilize pH levels. These may include bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy, which help to alleviate symptoms and regulate CO2 levels in the blood.

Hyperventilation and Blood pH

Hyperventilation is characterized by rapid and deep breathing, which can cause a significant decrease in blood CO2 levels. This breathing pattern often occurs as a response to stress, panic, or due to conditions like anxiety or may occur at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. As CO2 decreases, less carbonic acid is formed in the blood, leading to a reduction in hydrogen ion concentration and an increase in pH—a condition known as respiratory alkalosis.

The rise in pH can lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and numbness in fingers and toes. To counteract hyperventilation and restore normal pH balance, affected individuals are often advised to breathe slowly or into a paper bag, which increases CO2 levels by rebreathing the exhaled air. For more persistent cases, medical intervention or breathing therapy may be needed to help control the underlying cause of the hyperventilation and maintain pH balance.