What condition can result from prolonged exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide?

• A. Respiratory alkalosis
• B. Respiratory acidosis
• C. Asthma
• D. Pneumonia

Answer: (B)

Prolonged exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide leads to respiratory acidosis, a condition characterized by an increase in acidity of the blood. When carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulates in the bloodstream, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate, lowering the pH of the blood. This affects the body’s acid-base balance and can lead to various physiological problems, including impaired oxygen transport and respiratory function.

In contrast, respiratory alkalosis results from a decrease in carbon dioxide due to hyperventilation, where excessive breathing causes carbon dioxide levels to drop. Conditions like asthma and pneumonia can affect respiration but do not directly result from prolonged exposure to elevated carbon dioxide levels. Instead, those conditions are primarily related to airway obstruction or infection, not the direct impact of CO2 accumulation.