Question

1. Several medical conditions, such as COPD, can cause hypoventilation and impaired CO2 loss through the lungs. Describe the effect this would have on blood pH and how the kidneys would respond to maintain acid-base balance in the body.

Answer 1

COPD- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

In this, the airways in your lungs become inflamed, thicken, and oxygen transferring tissue get damaged results in decreased air flow in out of your lungs. After this, tissues in your body don't get enough oxygen and it becomes difficult for your body to get rid of excess carbon dioxide. This condition of excess concentration of Carbon dioxide in blood is known as Hypoventilation which also decreases the ph of the blood (acidosis).

In general, the body is able to balance the ions that regulate acidity. This balance is calculated on a 0 to 14 pH scale. Acidosis occurs when the blood pH falls below 7.35 (normal blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45).
Generally, lungs take in oxygen and take out CO2. Oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood. CO2 passes from the blood to the lungs. But, sometimes lungs cannot remove enough CO2. This may be due to decreased respiratory rate or airflow.This causes respiratory acidose which can be acute or chronic-

1) In acute respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 exceeds the upper limit of the reference range (greater than 6.3 kPa or 45 mm Hg) (pH <7.36).

2) in chronic respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 exceeds normal blood pH (7.35 to 7.45) or secondary normal pH for kidney damage, and high serum bicarbonate (HCO 3−> 30 mEq / L).

In this condition Lung and kidneys are important organs that help regulate the pH of your blood. By exhaling CO2, the lungs remove the acid, and the kidneys excrete acids through the urine. Your kidneys control ratios of bicarbonate in your blood (a base). They control this by producing more bicarbonates.