What causes respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to an increase in carbonic acid and a decrease in blood pH, making it more acidic. Hypoventilation is a primary cause of this condition because it results in insufficient ventilation to expel CO2 effectively. When a person hypoventilates, the body retains CO2, which then combines with water in the blood to form carbonic acid. This process decreases blood pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis.

In contrast, hyperventilation leads to excessive expulsion of CO2, which can cause respiratory alkalosis, an increase in pH. Increased oxygen intake alone does not directly cause acid-base imbalance; it may enhance oxygen levels but does not affect CO2 retention. Excessive exercise can lead to increased metabolic activity and may initially produce lactic acid, but it is not directly linked to causing respiratory acidosis unless it results in significant hypoventilation.