Alkalosis.

Causes, symptoms, treatment Alkalosis

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Alkalosis

Alkalosis is a condition in which the body fluids have excess base (alkali). This is the opposite of
excess acid (acidosis).

Causes
The kidneys and lungs maintain the proper balance of chemicals, called acids and bases, in the body.
Decreased carbon dioxide (an acid) or increased bicarbonate (a base) levels make the body too
alkaline, a condition called alkalosis.

Respiratory alkalosis is caused by low carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can be due to:
Fever
Being at a high altitude
Lack of oxygen

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Alkalosis. Causes, symptoms, treatment Alkalosis

Liver disease
Lung disease, which causes you to breathe faster (hyperventilate)
Salicylate poisoning
Metabolic alkalosis is caused by too much bicarbonate in the blood.
Hypochloremic alkalosis is caused by an extreme lack or loss of chloride, which can occur with
prolonged vomiting.
Hypokalemic alkalosis is caused by the kidneys' response to an extreme lack or loss of potassium,
which can occur when people take certain diuretic medications.
Compensated alkalosis occurs when the body returns the acid - base balance to normal in cases of
alkalosis, but bicarbonate and carbon dioxide levels remain abnormal.

Symptoms
Confusion (can progress to stupor or coma)
Hand tremor
Lightheadedness
Muscle twitching
Nausea, vomiting
Numbness or tingling in the face or extremities
Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)

Exams and Tests

An arterial blood gas analysis or basic metabolic panel will confirm alkalosis and determine if it is a
respiratory alkalosis or a metabolic alkalosis. Other tests may be needed to determine the cause of
the alkalosis. These may include:
Litmus paper (urine dipstick tests)
Urinalysis
Urine pH

Treatment
Treatment of alkalosis depends on finding the specific cause.
For alkalosis caused by hyperventilation, breathing into a paper bag causes you to retain more carbon
dioxide and improves the alkalosis. If your oxygen level is low, you may receive oxygen to help the
alkalosis.
Some people need medications to correct chemical loss (such as chloride and potassium). Your health
care provider will monitor your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).

Outlook (Prognosis)
Most cases of alkalosis respond well to treatment.

Possible Complications
Arrhythmias

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Alkalosis. Causes, symptoms, treatment Alkalosis

Coma
Electrolyte imbalance (such as hypokalemia)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you become confused, unable to concentrate, or unable to "catch your
breath."
A visit to the emergency room or call to the local emergency number (such as 911) is warranted for:
Loss of consciousness
Rapidly worsening symptoms of alkalosis
Seizures
Severe breathing difficulties

Prevention
Prevention depends on the cause of the alkalosis. Normally, people with healthy kidneys and lungs do
not have significant alkalosis.

See Also
Respiratory Alkalosis
- diseases
Hyperaldosteronism
- dictionary
Conn syndrome
- dictionary
Carbon dioxide content
- dictionary
Bartter syndrome
- dictionary
Alkalosis
- dictionary
Aldosteronism
- dictionary
Acidosis
- dictionary

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