• Rise in carbon dioxide levels usually as a result of alveolar hypoventilation
• Renal compensation may occur leading to Compensated respiratory acidosis

Causes

• Depression of the central respiratory centre by CVA or drugs
  • Sedative drugs: benzodiazepines, opiate overdose
• Inability to ventilate adequately due to neuromuscular disease - MG, ALS, GBS
• COPD
• Decompensation in other respiratory conditions e.g. Life-threatening asthma / pulmonary oedema