Has science advanced in this in any way?

Question

Have just read about the respiratory acidocis in which the exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot occur normally.

Since this process takes place between the alveoli and the blood vessels that connect to them_something that in words at least seems SO SIMPLE_why hasn't science figured a way to fix it?

Wouldn't science have a way to "expand" the alveoli or the blood vessels?

Answer 1

When the person can't exchange enough air, CO2 builds up in the blood leading to acidosis.  You need to help the person breath.  You can do it mechanically but it requires that something help the person breath.  I can't think of a simple solution except perhaps some sort of portable breathing unit that forces air into the lungs.

examples

http://www.rccsnashville.com/vent.html

http://inventors.about.com/od/istartinve...

Answer 2

the problem is with the structure of the heme protein and its reaction to changes in pH.  the only way to change the protein shape would be to alter the genetic code in every cell of a multicellular organism.  science is not there yet.  there are some scientists working on viral retrovirus treatments (the virus injects new DNA into the host) but there are serious (i.e. rapid death) problems associated with the method because the body rejects those modified cells.

the only treatment i'm aware of is artificial respiration and treatment of the underlying cause of the acidosis.

Answer 3

actually expansion of the smooth muscle of alveoli and blood vessels in what the fast acting anti-asthmatics do..They cause vasodilation which enhances O2 exchange and CO2  and water expiration. because of the large number of alveoli stints are not an option....portable O2/gas exchange equipment is available and is used by persons with chronic emphysema and related diseases.