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Acidosis refers to a process that causes increased acidity in the blood and body’s tissues. 

The body’s blood pH is maintained by the balance between acids and bases. 

Acidosis occurs when acids accumulate or bases are lost.

The major players are carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. 

- Carbon dioxide acts as an acid as it combines with water to make carbonic acid, releasing hydrogen ions; 

- while bicarbonate binds to and neutralizes hydrogen ions, acting as a base. 

Normal cellular metabolism constantly produces and excretes carbon dioxide into the blood, and therefore constantly making the blood more acidic. 

The body keeps the blood pH within the normal range by 2 mechanisms: 

- removal of carbon dioxide through exhalation by the lungs, 

- and excretion of acids and reabsorption of bicarbonate through the kidneys. 

Pulmonary regulation is fast, acting within minutes to hours. Renal regulation is slower, taking days to respond to pH changes. 

There are 2 major types of acidosis: respiratory and metabolic.

Respiratory acidosis results from inadequate function of the lungs. As carbon dioxide is not exhaled fast enough, it accumulates in the blood, raising acidity. 

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by primary increase in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

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