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

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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

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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

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Results from diarrhea.

See also

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• Acidosis

Electrolyte disturbance

Alkalose | Alkalose | Alcalosis | Zasadowica | Alkalos