What physiological change occurs during respiratory acidosis?

During respiratory acidosis, the primary physiological change is an increase in carbon dioxide levels. This condition arises when the lungs cannot effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body due to insufficient ventilation or lung function. As CO2 accumulates in the bloodstream, it combines with water to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in pH and resulting in a more acidic environment within the body.

As carbon dioxide levels rise, the body's compensatory mechanisms, such as renal compensation, attempt to restore pH balance by increasing bicarbonate (HCO3-) reabsorption in the kidneys over time. However, the immediate physiological effect of respiratory acidosis is marked by elevated carbon dioxide levels. Understanding this mechanism is crucial, as it highlights how respiratory performance influences acid-base balance and the importance of monitoring ventilatory status in acutely ill patients.