Acidosis

Acidosis is a blood pH below 7.35 caused by an excess of acid or a loss of base. Distinguishing the cause guides treatment: respiratory acidosis comes from retained CO2 (hypoventilation), while metabolic acidosis comes from acid buildup or bicarbonate loss, as in diabetic ketoacidosis. Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations are the lungs trying to blow off CO2 to compensate for metabolic acidosis.