What breathing pattern, characterized by rapid and deep breaths, does the body use as an immediate compensation mechanism in metabolic acidosis?
Answer
Kussmaul breathing
When metabolic acidosis is present, the body attempts to rapidly correct the excess acid load by minimizing the concentration of acid in the blood. Since carbonic acid is regulated by CO2 (which is acidic when dissolved), the body compensates by exhaling more CO2. This is achieved by breathing faster and deeper than normal, a distinct pattern medically termed Kussmaul breathing. This physiological response is an emergency measure to quickly blow off CO2, thereby raising the blood pH back towards the normal range (7.35 to 7.45) within minutes, even though the underlying metabolic problem persists.
Related Questions
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