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Respiratory system
Respiratory system
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Respiratory acidosis

Alternative Names:
Chronic respiratory acidosis; Ventilatory failure; Respiratory failure; Acidosis - respiratory

Symptoms:

Symptoms of the disease that causes respiratory acidosis are usually noticeable, and may include shortness of breath, easy fatigue, chronic cough, or wheezing.

When respiratory acidosis becomes severe, confusion, irritability, or lethargy may be apparent.



Signs and tests:
  • A chest X-ray or CAT scan may be done to diagnose possible lung disease
  • Pulmonary function tests may help diagnose lung disease
  • Arterial blood gases help assess the severity of the respiratory acidosis, and may detect abnormal oxygen levels


Review Date: 1/25/2002
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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