Alkali is a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal element.

alkalosis a pathological condition resulting from accumulation of base, or from loss of acid without comparable loss of base in the body fluids, and characterized by decrease in hydrogen ion concentration (increase in pH). Alkalosis is the opposite of acidosis. antacid is a substance which neutralizes stomach acidity. compensated alkalosis a condition in which compensatory mechanisms have returned the pH toward normal. concentration alkalosis associated with deficit in free body water, hypotonic fluid losses or increased sodium levels. gastric alkalosis alkalosis due to loss of gastric fluid because of persistent vomiting. See also hypochloremic alkalosis (below). hypoventilation (also known as respiratory depression) occurs when ventilation is inadequate (hypo means "below") to perform needed gas exchange alkalosis a metabolic alkalosis in which gastric losses of chloride are disproportionately greater than sodium loss because of corresponding increase in potassium loss. hypokalemic alkalosis a metabolic alkalosis associated with a low serum potassium level; retention of alkali or loss of acid occurs in the extracellular (but not intracellular) fluid compartment; although the pH of the intracellular fluid may be below normal. metabolic alkalosis a disturbance in which the acid-base status shifts toward the alkaline because of uncompensated loss of acids, ingestion or retention of excess base, or potassium depletion. The condition can occur with vomiting or accompany treatment with diuretics. respiratory alkalosis reduced carbon dioxide tension in the extracellular fluid caused by excessive excretion of carbon dioxide through the lungs (hyperventilation). Conditions commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis include pain, hypoxia, fever, high environmental temperature, poisoning, early pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism and central nervous system disease.

Biliary Drainage the placement of a catheter (tube) through the skin into the liver, is performed by an interventional radiologist to drain bile from the liver. (The liver makes bile which is involved in digestion.) X-ray and ultrasound imaging guides the catheter into the liver. Paresthesia [peresthzh] Etymology: Gk, para + erethizein, to excite Any subjective sensation, experienced as numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" feeling. Paresthesias often fluctuate according to such influences as posture, activity, rest, edema, congestion, or underlying disease. When experienced in the extremities, it is sometimes identified as acroparesthesia. Also spelled paraesthesia. See also acanthesia . Hypochloremic Alkalosis a metabolic alkalosis in which gastric losses of chloride are disproportionately greater than sodium loss because of corresponding increase in potassium loss. Hyperaldosteronism Overproduction of the hormone aldosterone from the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland or a tumor containing that type of tissue. Excess aldosterone (pronounced al-do-sterone) results in low potassium levels (hypokalemia), underacidity of the body (alkalosis), muscle weakness, excess thirst (polydipsia), excess urination (polyuria), and high blood pressure (hypertension). Also called aldosteronism and Conn's syndrome. Anhydrase [an-hidrs] An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of water from a compound. Carbonic anhydrase An enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of carbonic acid into carbon dioxide and water, facilitating transfer of carbon dioxide from tissues to blood and from blood to alveolar air. Bicarbonate Bicarbonate usually refers to bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate, baking soda), a white powder that is a common ingredient in antacids. Also, the bicarbonate level is an indirect measure of the acidity of the blood that is determined when electrolytes are tested. The normal serum range for bicarbonate is 22-30 mmol/liter

Pyloric stenosis Is a narrowing of the pylorus, the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. Alkalinity The alkali concentration or alkaline quality of an alkali-containing substance