What Can Cause Respiratory Acidosis?

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that can adversely affect the optic nerves within the eyes, spinal cord, and brain. The effects on the spinal cord are the ones that will usually lead to the development of respiratory acidosis unless these effects are treated quickly. When an individual is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, they may experience issues with balance, muscle control, vision, and a variety of additional body functions. This disease is brought about by the patient's immune system attacking a material in their body known as myelin. This material is meant to provide protection for the nerve fibers in the body. When it's attacked by the immune system, the nerves will invariably become damaged. Multiple sclerosis occurs in different stages, the most common of which is relapsing-remitting. If the patient's spinal cord becomes inflamed because of multiple sclerosis, respiratory acidosis can occur.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a type of long-term lung disease. If it is not treated early, it can result in irreversible damage. Individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can experience both emphysema and bronchitis, both of which block airflow in different ways and can make it difficult to breathe. The main symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are shortness of breath and an ongoing cough that produces mucus. The severity of this condition depends on which stage a patient has been diagnosed with. There are four stages in total, which are simply numbered one to four and worsen in severity. It's only when the condition hits stage two that patients will notice any symptoms. Their coughing will become constant and they will have trouble breathing and sleeping. Receiving treatment early on will lessen symptoms. Once this disease reaches stage two, it's possible for respiratory acidosis to occur.

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