An increase in hydrogen ion concentration in the blood leads to a decrease in blood pH, making it more acidic. This condition is known as acidosis. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic. Blood pH is tightly regulated and normally ranges between 7.35 and 7.45, which is slightly basic.
When the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) increases, it disrupts the balance, causing the blood to become more acidic. This can happen due to various reasons, such as respiratory issues, metabolic disorders, or the accumulation of acidic substances in the body. The body has several mechanisms to counteract this, including the buffering system, respiratory compensation, and renal compensation, to bring the pH back to normal levels.
If the blood pH drops below 7.35, it can lead to serious health issues, including impaired oxygen delivery, electrolyte imbalances, and organ dysfunction. Therefore, maintaining the proper balance of hydrogen ions is crucial for overall health.