Alkalosis
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Alkalosis refers to a condition reducing hydrogen ion concentration of arterial blood plasma (alkalemia). Generally alkalosis is said to occur when arterial pH exceeds 7.45.
Respiratory alkalosis
Results from increased alveolar respiration (hyperventilation) leading to decreased plasma carbon dioxide concentration. This leads to decreased hydrogen ion and bicarbonate concentrations. This can occur when a person moves from sea level to high altitudes.There are two types of respiratory alkalosis: chronic and acute. In chronic respiratory alkalosis for every 10 mM drop in pCO2 in blood, there is a corresponding 5 mM of bicarbonate ion drop. The drop of 5 mM of bicarbonate ion is a compensation effect which reduces the alkalosis effect of the drop in pCO2 in blood.
In acute respiratory alkalosis, there is no compensational effect. During acute repiratory alkalosis, the person will lose consciousness where the rate of ventilation will resume to normal.
Metabolic alkalosis
Results from altered metabolism.Results in decreased hydrogen ion concentration leading to increased bicarbonate and carbon dioxide concentrations.
Metabolic alkalosis most commonly occurs when a person vomits profusely, as doing so depletes the body of H+ ions, which leads to a profusion of bicarbonate in the body.
Other forms of alkalosis
Results from diarrhea.See also
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