Acidosis is a general term used to describe abnormally high acid levels in your bloodstream. When high acidity results from carbon dioxide buildup related to slow breathing or inadequate lung function, the syndrome is called respiratory acidosis. In some cases, you can use the drug albuterol to address the symptoms of respiratory acidosis.
Albuterol
Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's PubMed Health. It achieves its effects by relaxing the passages inside your lungs and promoting increased airflow. Albuterol comes in forms that include syrup and standard and extended-release tablets. If your doctor prescribes the drug in standard tablet or syrup form, you will likely take it three or four times daily; if your doctor prescribes extended-release tablets, you will likely take it twice a day.
Respiratory Acidosis
The Merck Manuals Online Medical library lists potential underlying causes of acidosis-related carbon dioxide buildup that include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary edema and severe pneumonia. You may also develop respiratory acidosis if you have brain, nerve or muscle damage related to normal lung function, or if you receive excessive amounts of sedatives or opioids medications. Initial symptoms of the disorder frequently include headaches and drowsiness. If you do not receive treatment, drowsiness can develop into a more severely disoriented state called stupor. In turn, stupor can develop into a life-threatening coma.
Treatment
If you develop respiratory acidosis, your doctor will work to improve your lung function, the Merck Manuals report. You may receive albuterol or other bronchodilators for this purpose if your symptoms stem from emphysema, asthma or other forms of lung disease. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may also require the help of a mechanical ventilator to temporarily support your breathing.
Side Effects
PubMed Health lists relatively minor potential side effects of albuterol that include headache, nervousness, dizziness, muscle cramps, mood swings, sleeping difficulties, uncontrollable shaking, nausea, nosebleeds and alterations in your appetite. Tell your doctor if you experience severe or persistent forms of these effects. More serious potential side effects of albuterol use include fever, chest pain, abnormal or irregular heartbeat, breathing or swallowing difficulties, itching, hives, rash and swelling in your lower legs, feet, ankles, hands, throat, lips, tongue or eyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any form of these effects.
Overdose
You should also watch for signs of albuterol overdose, PubMed Health reports. Indicators here include excessive fatigue, seizures, headache, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, uncontrollable shaking, nervousness and sleep disturbances. If you suspect an overdose, contact your local poison control center for guidance and advice. If someone you know falls unconscious while taking albuterol, seek emergency assistance.
