Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Respiratory acidosis epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Respiratory acidosis is an acid-base balance disturbance because of alveolar hypoventilation. Production of carbon dioxide takes place rapidly and failure of air flow directly increases the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The regular reference range for PaCO2 is 35-45 mm Hg.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Prevalence
- The prevalence of respiratory acidosis in patients with acute COPD is approximately  75 (95% CI 61 to 90) per 100 000/year for men aged 45-79 and 57 (95% CI 46 to 69) per 100 000 for women.[1]
Age
- The incidence of respiratory acidosis increases with age because the range for a normal gradient increases with age.
- The gradient can be estimated with the help of equation A-a gradient = age x 0.3.