What Can Cause Respiratory Acidosis?

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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