This acts much like the carbonic acid-bicarbonate system. This is the most abundant buffer in body cells and plasma. The pH of body fluids may be adjusted by a change in the rate and depth of respirations, which usually takes from 1 to 3 minutes. Alkalosis is a blood pH above 7.45. A change in blood pH that leads to acidosis or alkalosis can be compensated to return pH to normal.
Compensation refers to the physiological response to an acid-base imbalance.
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an elevated pCO 2 and decreased pH and is caused by hypoventilation or other causes of reduced gas exchange in the lungs. Respiratory acidosis can cause metabolic acidosis, as tissues starved of oxygen will generate lactic acid and worsen the problem. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a decreased arterial blood pCO 2 and increased pH and is caused by hyperventilation. C. Compensation - Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis is compensated by respiratory and renal mechanisms. Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis is compensated by renal mechanisms.