Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis.

The physiology of respiratory control of acid-base balance is reviewed. The pathophysiological mechanisms during hypercapnia and hypocapnia are discussed in the light of the causes and clinical manifestations of these disturbances. In addition to the role of the kidney in the compensatory processes of these disturbances, renal functional changes during acute and chronic pulmonary acid-base derangement is discussed. Some of the difficulties encountered in the patient with chronic renal disease in whom respiratory abnormalities may be present are also discussed.