ALKALOSIS

ALKALOSIS
Alkalosis is a condition in which the pH level of the blood becomes too high, typically above
7.45. Think of pH as a measure of how acidic or basic something is. In our bodies, there’s a
delicate balance between acids and bases. When this balance is disrupted and there’s too much
base, it’s called alkalosis.

Now, why is it considered an electrolyte imbalance? Well, electrolytes are minerals in our body
that help regulate important functions, like nerve and muscle function. Two key electrolytes
involved in maintaining pH balance are hydrogen ions (which make things acidic) and
bicarbonate ions (which make things basic). When there’s too much bicarbonate in the blood, it
can throw off this balance, leading to alkalosis. So, alkalosis is not just about having too much
base in the blood, but also about disrupting the balance of these important electrolytes.
 RISK FACTORS
1. Respiratory Disorders (e.g., Hyperventilation):
- Connection to Alkalosis: When we breathe too rapidly (hyperventilate), we blow off too
much carbon dioxide (a waste product) from our body. This leads to a decrease in carbon
dioxide levels in the blood, making it more alkaline and contributing to respiratory alkalosis.

2. Metabolic Disorders (e.g., Vomiting, Diuretic Use):

- Connection to Alkalosis: Vomiting causes loss of stomach acid, which is an important
source of hydrogen ions in the body. This loss of acid can lead to metabolic alkalosis. Similarly,
some medications like diuretics can cause excessive loss of electrolytes like potassium and
chloride, which can disrupt the acid-base balance and contribute to alkalosis.

3. Electrolyte Imbalances:
- Connection to Alkalosis: Electrolytes like potassium and chloride play a crucial role in
maintaining the acid-base balance in our body. When there’s an imbalance in these electrolytes,
it can lead to alkalosis. For example, low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can cause cells to
lose hydrogen ions, leading to alkalosis.
CAUSES
1. Respiratory Alkalosis:
Cause: Hyperventilation, or rapid breathing, leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2)
from the body through the lungs.
Connection to Alkalosis: Carbon dioxide is an acidic compound. When we breathe rapidly and expel too
much CO2, the acidity in our blood decreases, making it more alkaline and resulting in respiratory
alkalosis.

2. Metabolic Alkalosis:
Cause: This type of alkalosis occurs due to factors such as vomiting, excessive use of diuretics, or certain
hormonal disorders.
Connection to Alkalosis:
Vomiting: Loss of stomach acid through vomiting reduces the amount of acid in the body, leading to
metabolic alkalosis.
Diuretic Use: Some diuretic medications can cause excessive loss of electrolytes, including chloride
and potassium, which disrupts the acid-base balance and contributes to metabolic alkalosis.
CAUSES
3. Hypokalemia (Low Potassium Levels):
Cause: Conditions such as excessive sweating, diarrhea, or the use of certain medications can lead to low
potassium levels in the blood.
Connection to Alkalosis: Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of hydrogen ions (acidity) in the
body. When potassium levels are low, cells lose hydrogen ions, leading to increased blood pH and metabolic
alkalosis.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
1. Muscle Twitching: Alkalosis can disrupt the balance of calcium
ions in the body, leading to increased excitability of nerves and
muscles. This can result in involuntary muscle contractions or
twitching.

2. Hand Tremors: Similar to muscle twitching, alkalosis causes

increased nerve excitability, particularly in the peripheral nervous
system. This can manifest as tremors or shaking of the hands and
fingers.

3. Confusion: Changes in blood pH due to alkalosis can affect the

function of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to confusion,
difficulty concentrating, or cognitive impairment.

4. Dizziness: Alkalosis alters the flow of blood and oxygen to the

brain, resulting in feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Alkalosis can stimulate the chemoreceptors in the
brainstem responsible for triggering the vomiting reflex, leading to nausea and
vomiting.

7. Weakness or Fatigue: Alkalosis can disrupt the normal functioning of

muscles, leading to weakness or fatigue. This may be due to alterations in
electrolyte levels and impaired muscle function associated with alkalosis.

8. Seizures: In severe cases of alkalosis, particularly respiratory alkalosis,

excessively low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood can lead to
hyperexcitability of neurons in the brain, increasing the risk of seizures.
DIAGNOSIS
1. Blood pH Measurement:
- The primary method for diagnosing alkalosis is by measuring the pH level
of arterial blood. A pH above 7.45 indicates alkalosis. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
analysis is commonly used to measure blood pH and assess respiratory
function.

2.Blood Gas Analysis:

- Blood gas analysis provides additional information beyond pH
measurement, including levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-),
and oxygen (O2) in the blood. This helps differentiate between respiratory and
metabolic alkalosis and assesses compensatory mechanisms.

3. Evaluation of Electrolyte Levels:

- Measurement of electrolyte levels, such as potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-),
and bicarbonate (HCO3-), can provide insights into the underlying cause of
alkalosis. For example, low potassium levels (hypokalemia) may indicate
metabolic alkalosis.
TREATMENTS
1. Avoid Overbreathing:
- Practice breathing techniques to prevent hyperventilation, which can lead to
respiratory alkalosis.

2. Stay Hydrated:
- Maintain proper hydration to prevent electrolyte imbalances that can
contribute to alkalosis.

3. Use Medications Wisely:

- Use medications like diuretics only as prescribed and under medical
supervision to avoid electrolyte disturbances.

4. Manage Vomiting:
- Seek medical attention for persistent vomiting to prevent loss of stomach
acid and subsequent metabolic alkalosis.
WHAT CONTROLS THE ELECTOCYTES
BALANCE/
1. Respiratory System:
- The respiratory system regulates blood pH by controlling the levels of
carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood through breathing. When we breathe, we
exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide in the lungs. The amount of carbon
dioxide exhaled affects the pH of the blood.
- Hyperventilation, or rapid breathing, leads to excessive elimination of
carbon dioxide, causing respiratory alkalosis. Conversely, hypoventilation can
cause carbon dioxide retention and respiratory acidosis.

2. Kidneys:
- The kidneys help regulate blood pH by excreting hydrogen ions (acid) and
reabsorbing bicarbonate ions (base) to maintain balance. They filter the blood
to remove waste products and excess electrolytes, which are then excreted in
the urine or reabsorbed into the bloodstream as needed.
- In cases of alkalosis, the kidneys may excrete excess bicarbonate ions in the
urine to help restore acid-base balance.