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Alkalosis

Alkalosis occurs when the blood's pH is too high. Alkalosis can be respiratory or metabolic in nature.

Universal symptoms of alkalosis include:

Respiratory Alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when increased respiratory rate increases the exhalation of CO\(_2\), resulting in decreased PaCO\(_2\). Respiratory alkalosis is usually self-correcting because the unconsciousnesses resulting from hypoxia lowers the body's respiratory rate.

Risk factors of respiratory alkalosis include anything that may increase RR, including:

  • Anxiety.
  • Pain.
  • Hypoxia.

To compensate, the kidneys decrease HCO\(_3^-\) in the bloodstream to reduce buffering of H\(^+\).

The signature symptom of respiratory alkalosis is hyperventilation, which can lead to:

  • Numbness and tingling in fingers.
  • Breathlessness.
  • Syncope (fainting).

Metabolic Alkalosis

Caused either by H\(^+\) loss or HCO\(_3^-\) gain, and always appears as HCO\(_3^-\) gain.

Risk factors of metabolic alkalosis include:

  • Factors that decrease acid:
  • Factors that increase base:
    • Intake of antacids or lactate (a HCO\(_3^-\) precursor).
    • Blood transfusions.
    • Lowered ECV, such as via dehydration.

To compensate, the lungs increase PaCO\(_2\) by decreasing respiratory rate.

The signature symptoms of metabolic alkalosis include:

  • Hypoventilation (to compensate).
  • Decreased LOC.
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