Quick comparison: Respiratory acidosis/alkalosis

Question 1

Quick comparison: Respiratory acidosis/alkalosis

Answer 1

Respiratory acidosis:

• COPD
• life-threatening asthma (decompensated)
• obesity hypoventilation syndrome
• benzodiazepines overdose
• opiate overdose
• neuromuscular disease

Question 2

Quick comparison: Respiratory acidosis/alkalosis

Answer 2

Respiratory alkalosis

• anxiety leading to hyperventilation
• pulmonary embolism
• salicylate poisoning (initial stages)
• CNS disorders e.g. stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage, encephalitis
• altitude
• pregnancy