Acid-base imbalance of carbon dioxide retention associated with respiratory failure, sedative overdose, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chest wall trauma, acute abdominal distention, and obesity; it is characterized by a rapid respiratory rate that usually provides inadequate ventilation, rapid heart rate, pale and dry skin, diaphoresis, headache, and coma.
Form of acidosis (excess hydrogen-ion concentration in the blood) in which reduced gas exchange in the lungs, caused by emphysema, pneumonia, asthma, chest trauma, drugs that depress respiration, or other condition, results in decreased carbon dioxide excretion. The excess carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid, which increases the acidity of the blood, producing acidosis. Headache, hypertension, decreased mentation, cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly death may occur. Treatment involves correction of the underlying cause, if possible, and may involve oxygen, bronchodilators, and possibly a mechanical ventilator.
Acidosis caused by inadequate ventilation and the subsequent retention of carbon dioxide.