Increased carbon dioxide or decreased bicarbonate levels can create an acidic state in the body, called acidosis . Decreased carbon dioxide or increased bicarbonate levels can create an excess alkaline state, called alkalosis . If the defect is caused by changes in carbon dioxide levels, it is a respiratory acidosis or respiratory alkalosis . If the defect is caused by changes in bicarbonate levels, it is a metabolic acidosis or metabolic alkalosis. The respiratory system regulates the levels of carbon dioxide through changes in the breathing rate.
Carbon dioxide is lost with faster breathing and increased when breathing slows.
This causes a reduction in the reabsorption of bicarbonate from the tubule back into the bloodstream. Renal tubular acidosis is one cause of metabolic acidosis. Type II RTA is an uncommon but well-known form of renal tubular acidosis. It most commonly occurs during infancy, and spontaneous resolution may occur. The exact cause of the defect varies, including inherited and acquired conditions.