Alkalosis: Causes, Types, and Symptoms Overview. Your blood is made up of acids and bases. The amount of acids and bases in your blood can be measured on a p. H scale. It’s important to maintain the correct balance between acids and bases. Even a slight change can cause health problems. Normally, your blood should have a slightly higher amount of bases than acids. Alkalosis occurs when your body has too many bases. It can occur due to decreased blood levels of carbon dioxide, which is an acid. It can also occur due to increased blood levels of bicarbonate, which is a base. This condition may also be related to other underlying health issues such as low potassium, or hypokalemia. The earlier it’s detected and treated, the better the outcome is. Acid- base balance »Types The five types of alkalosis. There are five main types of alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there isn’t enough carbon dioxide in your bloodstream. ![]() ![]() It’s often caused by: Metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis develops when your body loses too much acid or gains too much base. This can be attributed to: excess vomiting, which causes electrolyte lossoveruse of diureticsadrenal diseasea large loss of potassium or sodium in a short amount of timeantacidsaccidental ingestion of bicarbonate, which can be found in baking sodalaxativesalcohol abuse. Hypochloremic alkalosis. Hypochloremic alkalosis occurs when there’s a significant decline of chloride in your body. This can be due to prolonged vomiting or sweating. Chloride is an important chemical needed to maintain balance in bodily fluids, and it’s an essential part of your body’s digestive fluids. Hypokalemic alkalosis. Hypokalemic alkalosis occurs when your body lacks the normal amount of the mineral potassium. You normally get potassium from your food, but not eating enough of it is rarely the cause of a potassium deficiency. Kidney disease, excessive sweating, and diarrhea are just a few ways you can lose too much potassium. Potassium is essential to the proper functioning of the: heartkidneysmusclesnervous systemdigestive system. Symptoms Symptoms of alkalosis. Early symptoms. Symptoms of alkalosis can vary. In the early stages of the condition, you may have: nauseanumbnessprolonged muscle spasmsmuscle twitchinghand tremors. Serious symptoms. If alkalosis isn’t treated right away, severe symptoms can develop. These symptoms could lead to shock or coma. Call 9. 11 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of these symptoms: Diagnosis Diagnosing alkalosis. The symptoms of alkalosis mimic symptoms of other conditions. It’s very important that you don’t attempt to diagnose yourself. Make an appointment with your doctor to get evaluated. Hypokalemia Metabolic Alkalosis Hypertension Diet Teachings![]() Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. They will likely order tests that will rule out other conditions. Common tests include: According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, normal blood p. Hypertension Therapeutics in African Americans Optimal treatment of hypertension requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses multifactorial. H levels are between 7. A blood p. H above 7. Your doctor may also want to measure the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in your blood to rule out respiratory issues. Treatment Receiving treatment. ![]() Your treatment plan will depend on the cause of your alkalosis. Your carbon dioxide level needs to return to normal if you have respiratory alkalosis. If you have rapid breathing caused by anxiety, taking slow, deep breaths can often improve symptoms and regulate your oxygen level. If tests reveal that you have a low oxygen level, you’ll need to receive oxygen through a mask. If your rapid breathing is caused by pain, then treating the pain will help bring your respiratory rate back to normal and improve your symptoms. ![]()
![]() ![]() If your alkalosis is caused by a loss of chemicals such as chloride or potassium, you’ll be prescribed medications or supplements to replace these chemicals. Some cases of alkalosis result from an electrolyte imbalance, which may be corrected by drinking plenty of fluids or drinks that contain electrolytes. If you have an advanced case of electrolyte imbalance, it will need to be treated in the hospital. Most people recover from alkalosis once they receive treatment. Prevention How do I prevent alkalosis? Box 2 Treatment for Hypokalemia; Cause of hypokalemia should be addressed (remove drug, change diet, stop gastric drainage). Indications for IV potassium (20 mmol/hr. Diseases of the Adrenal Gland Online Medical Reference - discusses adrenal and endocrine dysfunction, and methods of diagnosis. Co-authored by Adriana G. Reduce your risk for developing alkalosis by maintaining good health, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. Choosing foods high in nutrients and potassium can help combat electrolyte deficiencies. Nutrients and potassium are primarily found in fruits and vegetables, as well as some other foods, such as: carrotsbananasmilkbeansspinachbran. Steps you can take to prevent dehydration include: drinking 8 to 1. It’s important to remember that you’re already dehydrated if you feel thirsty. Dehydration can also occur rapidly if you lose a lot of electrolytes. ![]() Hypokalemia Metabolic Alkalosis Hypertension Diet Recipes![]() This can happen when you’re vomiting from the flu. If you cannot keep potassium- rich foods in your stomach, make sure you still drink adequate fluids, such as water, sports drinks, and broth- based soups. The warning signs of dehydration in toddlers »Outlook Outlook. The outlook for alkalosis largely depends on how quickly it’s diagnosed. The sooner your condition is treated, the better the outcome is for that condition. Alkalosis caused by existing kidney conditions may not be preventable. It’s also important to follow all of your doctor’s care instructions once you get a diagnosis.
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