COPD Acid‑Base Status: Are Patients Acidotic or Alkalotic?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder affecting ventilation, gas exchange, and acid‑base balance. A central clinical question is whether COPD patients tend toward acidosis (low blood pH) or alkalosis (high blood pH). This article analyzes the pathophysiological mechanisms, typical arterial blood gas (ABG) profiles, compensatory adaptations, and clinical trajectories impacting acid‑base … Read more