Why am I not surprised that the pH of lung moisture decreases during an asthma attack? Poor ventilation of the alveoli would
retain carbon dioxide, which is carbonic acid in solution. Does the change in pH correspond to
a buildup of carbonate or bicarbonate in the blood? Would it be a better measure of an asthmatic
episode to measure CO2 retention?
Bart Bresnik
Mansfield, Mass.
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