Question

Consider the following

pH=7.30

pCO2=50

pHCO3=30

1. Is the problem respiratory or metabolic in nature?

2. Is there any compensation occurring? Has the body tried to fix the problem?

3. Give an example/disease by which this pH imbalance may occur

Answer 1

1,

It is respiratory acidosis, because the partial pressure of carbondioxide in the blood is higher which indicate respiratory acidosis. The normal range of PCO2 is 35 to 42 mmhg and normal pH of blood is from 7.38 to 7.42. In case of respiratory acidosis the pH of blood decreases and pCO2 increases than normal.

In case of metabolic abnormalities the bicarbonate level changes.

2,

The respiratory acidosis occur due to hypoventilation or decreased ventilation. The kidneys compensate for a respiratory acidosis by tubular cells reabsorbing more HCO3 from the tubular fluid, collecting duct cells secreting more H+ and generating more HCO3, and ammoniagenesis leading to increased formation of the NH3 buffer.

3,

The main reason for respiratory acidosis is hypoventilation. The respiratory conditions such as asthma, airway obstructions etc. can cause respiratory acidosis.