What causes respiratory acidosis in the body?

Respiratory acidosis is primarily caused by hypoventilation, which leads to the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. When the respiratory system is not able to vent adequate amounts of CO2, the partial pressure of CO2 rises, resulting in an increase in carbonic acid concentration. This increased acidity in the blood can significantly drop the pH, indicating a state of acidosis.

In the context of respiratory function, hypoventilation can occur due to various factors, including respiratory muscle weakness, obstruction of the airways, or central nervous system depression. These conditions impair effective gas exchange and ventilation, leading to insufficient removal of CO2 from the body.

Even though excessive metabolic activity can result in an increase in CO2 production, it is not a direct cause of respiratory acidosis unless it corresponds with hypoventilation. Likewise, hyperventilation would lead to decreased CO2 levels, which does not contribute to acidosis. Increased bicarbonate levels can point towards compensation in metabolic or renal aspects, but they do not directly cause respiratory acidosis. The essential factor for respiratory acidosis is the impaired ability to exhale CO2, underscoring the importance of adequate ventilation in maintaining acid-base balance in the body