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The PH Level of Healthy Lungs

Breathing is not an act to which people without a lung or respiratory disease give much thought. The natural act of breathing in and out plays a major role in maintaining the body’s balance for metabolic processes, as well as making sure all the tissues in the body have adequate amounts of oxygen. Simply inhaling and exhaling helps to ensure that the body’s chemistry stays in balance.

  1. Normal pH

    • The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines pH as a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The measurement ranges from zero to 14, in which seven is neutral. A level below seven is considered acidic, with an excess of acid in the blood, while a number above seven is considered alkaline with an excess of base. The body works to keep its pH level between 7.35 and 7.45, a slightly alkaline pH. Staying within this narrow range helps the body function properly.

    Function of the Lungs

    • The lungs play an important role in maintaining a normal pH. Lungs allow the body to take in oxygen from the air, and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Carbon dioxide is a waste product, and if too much builds up in the body the pH will drop. Conversely, if there is not enough carbon dioxide expelled, the body’s pH level will rise above normal. The lungs, linked with numerous blood vessels, are able to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the entire body. Lungs are one of three principal regulatory systems, along with the kidneys and the buffer system within body fluids.

    High pH

    • A high pH, above 7.4, is termed alkalosis and can occur when there is an increased elimination of carbon dioxide. This is classified as respiratory. Respiratory alkalosis is usually due to an increased rate of breathing, or hyperventilation, in which there is an increased excretion of carbon dioxide, an acid. Pain, anxiety, asthma, pneumonia or even being at a high altitude can cause hyperventilation. Brain tumors or injuries, liver failure, and meningitis are other possible causes of respiratory alkalosis.

    Low pH

    • Acidosis is what happens when the pH falls below 7.4. When this drop is due to low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, it is called respiratory acidosis. A slowed breathing rate might result in decreased carbon dioxide elimination. Breathing rate might slow due to drugs or central nervous system disorders or lung disease. Chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, or emphysema can also increase airway resistance, which may lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide.

    Testing pH Levels

    • To test how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in the blood, you could have a blood gas analysis or arterial blood gas analysis (ABG). This test determines how efficiently the lungs are eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood, as well as how well the lungs are working with the kidneys to control the body’s blood pH level. An ABG is typically performed to evaluate respiratory diseases or other lung conditions. Blood from an artery is used for the analysis, and a blood sample can be taken from a puncture in the wrist, groin or arm. The blood will be analyzed and it will be determined if the pH is out of the normal 7.35 to 7.45 range.

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