Respiratory Acidosis - Types of Respiratory Acidosis

Types of Respiratory Acidosis

Respiratory acidosis can be acute or chronic.

• In acute respiratory acidosis, the PaCO₂ is elevated above the upper limit of the reference range (over 6.3 kPa or 47 mm Hg) with an accompanying acidemia (pH <7.35).
• In chronic respiratory acidosis, the PaCO₂ is elevated above the upper limit of the reference range, with a normal blood pH (7.35 to 7.45) or near-normal pH secondary to renal compensation and an elevated serum bicarbonate (HCO₃− >30 mm Hg).