Respiratory Acid–Base Disorders

Abstract

The lungs serve to defend pH by altering alveolar ventilation which serves to control the pCO2 of body fluids. Respiratory acidosis develops as a result of ineffective alveolar ventilation. Respiratory alkalosis results from hypocapnia and is defined by a PaCO2 of less than 35 mmHg in the setting of alkalemia. An increase in alveolar ventilation relative to CO2 production gives rise to respiratory alkalosis. The clinical disorders which lead to ineffective ventilation or excess ventilation are discussed in this chapter.