Alkalosis
Your blood is made up of acids and bases. The amount of acids and bases in your blood can be measured on a pH 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 » 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: hyperventilation, which commonly occurs with anxiety high fever lack of oxygen salicylate poisoning being in high altitudes 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 loss overuse of diuretics a large loss of potassium or sodium in a short amount of time antacids accidental ingestion of bicarbonate, which can be found in baking soda laxatives alcohol 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 Continue reading >>
Metabolic Acidosis And Alkalosis
Page Index Metabolic Acidosis. Metabolic Alkalosis Emergency Therapy Treating Metabolic Acidosis Calculating the Dose Use Half the Calculated Dose Reasons to Limit the Bicarbonate Dose: Injected into Plasma Volume Fizzes with Acid Causes Respiratory Acidosis Raises Intracellular PCO2 Subsequent Residual Changes Metabolic Acidosis. The following is a brief summary. For additional information visit: E-Medicine (Christie Thomas) or Wikepedia Etiology: There are many causes of primary metabolic acidosis and they are commonly classified by the anion gap: Metabolic Acidosis with a Normal Anion Gap: Longstanding diarrhea (bicarbonate loss) Uretero-sigmoidostomy Pancreatic fistula Renal Tubular Acidosis Intoxication, e.g., ammonium chloride, acetazolamide, bile acid sequestrants Renal failure Metabolic Acidosis with an Elevated Anion Gap: lactic acidosis ketoacidosis chronic renal failure (accumulation of sulfates, phosphates, uric acid) intoxication, e.g., salicylates, ethanol, methanol, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, paraldehyde, INH, toluene, sulfates, metformin. rhabdomyolysis For further details visit: E-Medicine (Christie Thomas). Treating Severe Metabolic Acidosis. The ideal treatment for metabolic acidosis is correction of the underlying cause. When urgency dictates more rapid correction, treatment is based on clinical considerations, supported by laboratory evidence. The best measure of the level of metabolic acidosis is the Standard Base Excess (SBE) because it is independent of PCO2. If it is decided to administer bicarbonate, the SBE and the size of the treatable space are used to calculate the dose required: Metabolic Alkalosis Etiology: Primary Metabolic alkalosis may occur from various causes including: Loss of acid via the urine, stools, or vomiting Transfer of Continue reading >>
- Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)*
- Ultraviolet Radiation Suppresses Obesity and Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome Independently of Vitamin D in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
- Why Diabetes Is Dangerous: How to Recognize the Signs of this Metabolic Disease
Effects Of Metabolic Alkalosis, Metabolic Acidosis And Uraemia On Whole-body Intracellular Ph In Man.
Abstract 1. Whole-body intracellular pH (pHi) was measured by the 14C-labelled DMO method in twenty-four control subjects, eighteen normal subjects with induced acute metabolic alkalosis, ten normal subjects with induced acute metabolic acidosis, twelve normal subjects with chronic acidosis and in fifteen patients with chronic renal insufficiency and acidosis. 2. The change in pHi per unit change in extracellular pH is significantly larger in acute metabolic alkalosis than in acute metabolic acidosis. In chronic metabolic acidosis, pHi decreased in proportion to the total amount of ammonium chloride administered; pHi was normal in patients with uraemic acidosis. 3. These observations confirm the role that tissue buffers play in the protection of the cellular environment in some forms of acidosis. When the acid load overwhelms tissue buffer capacity, pHi becomes a function of extracellular pH. 4. Cells seem more protected from acute acidosis than from acute alkalosis. Continue reading >>
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is primary reduction in bicarbonate (HCO3−), typically with compensatory reduction in carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pco2); pH may be markedly low or slightly subnormal. Metabolic acidoses are categorized as high or normal anion gap based on the presence or absence of unmeasured anions in serum. Causes include accumulation of ketones and lactic acid, renal failure, and drug or toxin ingestion (high anion gap) and GI or renal HCO3− loss (normal anion gap). Symptoms and signs in severe cases include nausea and vomiting, lethargy, and hyperpnea. Diagnosis is clinical and with ABG and serum electrolyte measurement. The cause is treated; IV sodium bicarbonate may be indicated when pH is very low. Acidemia (arterial pH < 7.35) results when acid load overwhelms respiratory compensation. Causes are classified by their effect on the anion gap (see The Anion Gap and see Table: Causes of Metabolic Acidosis). High anion gap acidosis Ketoacidosis is a common complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (see diabetic ketoacidosis), but it also occurs with chronic alcoholism (see alcoholic ketoacidosis), undernutrition, and, to a lesser degree, fasting. In these conditions, the body converts from glucose to free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism; FFAs are converted by the liver into ketoacids, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (all unmeasured anions). Ketoacidosis is also a rare manifestation of congenital isovaleric and methylmalonic acidemia. Lactic acidosis is the most common cause of metabolic acidosis in hospitalized patients. Lactate accumulation results from a combination of excess formation and decreased utilization of lactate. Excess lactate production occurs during states of anaerobic metabolism. The most serious form occurs during the various types o Continue reading >>
Metabolic Acidosis And Alkalosis
Your blood contains many substances that help your body function. To function properly, your blood keeps a balance between substances that are acidic and substances that are alkaline (base). Normally, your body naturally maintains this balance, called your blood pH level. However, certain health conditions and substances can upset this balance. If your blood has too much acid or too little base in it, you may develop metabolic acidosis. Alcohol, aspirin and poisons, like carbon monoxide or cyanide, can all cause your body to make too much acid. Conditions like kidney disease or Type 1 diabetes can also affect how acidic your blood is. If your blood has too much base, you may develop metabolic alkalosis. This can happen if you lose too much acid due to using diuretics, vomiting, or if your adrenal gland is overactive. What are the symptoms of metabolic acidosis and alkalosis? If you have metabolic acidosis, you may have no symptoms. However, most people experience nausea, vomiting and fatigue (feeling tired and weak.) You may also start to breathe deeper and faster. These symptoms can get worse the longer you experience acidosis. Without treatment, you acidosis can lead to shock, coma or even death. Metabolic alkalosis, on the other hand, can cause irritability, muscle cramps and twitches. If left untreated, you can experience long-term muscle spasms. How are metabolic acidosis and alkalosis treated? Doctors can diagnose acidosis and alkalosis with a blood test. The blood test shows if your body’s pH levels are out of balance. Your doctor will design a treatment for your acidosis or alkalosis based on what caused the condition. For instance, if Type 1 diabetes led to diabetic ketoacidosis, your doctor will use insulin to balance out your blood sugar and get rid of exce Continue reading >>
- Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)*
- Ultraviolet Radiation Suppresses Obesity and Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome Independently of Vitamin D in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
- Why Diabetes Is Dangerous: How to Recognize the Signs of this Metabolic Disease
Metabolic Alkalosis And Metabolic Acidosis Nclex Quiz | Acid-base Imbalances Quiz
This NCLEX quiz will test your ability to differentiate between metabolic acidosis vs metabolic alkalosis. You will be required to know the causes, signs and symptoms, and how to interpret blood gas values in this quiz. As a nursing student, it is crucial you know the basics about acid-base imbalances. Below are common test questions you may encounter on your nursing lecture exam or NCLEX licensing exam. Also, don’t forget to take our free Arterial Blood Gas (ABGs) Quiz. After you are done taking the quiz and click submit, the page will refresh and you will need to scroll down to see what you got right and wrong. In addition, below this quiz is a layout of the quiz with an answer key (if you wanted to print off the quiz..just copy and paste it). Don’t forget to share this quiz with your friends! Please do not re-post on other websites, however. Metabolic Acidosis and Metabolic Alkalosis Quiz NCLEX Diabetic ketoacidosis, aspirin toxicity, and renal failure are examples of the causes of ___________________. A. High anion gap metabolic acidosis B. Normal anion gap metabolic acidosis C. Low anion gap metabolic acidosis D. Normal anion gap respiratory acidosis A patient has the following arterial blood gases: PaCO2 33, HCO3 15, pH 7.23. Which of the following conditions are presenting? A. Metabolic alkalosis partially compensated B. Metabolic acidosis partially compensated C. Respiratory alkalosis not compensated D. Metabolic acidosis fully compensated A patient is in high anion gap metabolic acidosis due to diabetic ketoacidosis. Which of the following signs and symptoms would you expect to see in this patient? A. Kussmaul’s respirations B. Glucose 110 C. Hypoventilation D. Neuro-excitability A patient reports taking Diamox and has been reporting confusion, fatigue, a Continue reading >>
Renal Regulation Of Metabolic Acidosis And Alkalosis
1. 06/21/14 1 Normal Acid-Base Balance • Normal pH 7.35-7.45 • Narrow normal range • Compatible with life 6.8 - 8.0 ___/______/___/______/___ 6.8 7.35 7.45 8.0 Acid Alkaline 2. 06/21/14 2 PH Scale 3. 06/21/14 3 Acid & Base • Acid: • An acid is "when hydrogen ions accumulate in a solution" • It becomes more acidic • [H+] increases = more acidity • CO2 is an example of an acid. Base: A base is chemical that will remove hydrogen ions from the solution Bicarbonate is an example of a base. 4. 06/21/14 4 Acid and Base Containing Food: • To maintain health, the diet should consist of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods. To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods. • Generally, alkaline forming foods include: most fruits, green vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, spices, herbs,seasonings,seeds and nuts. • Generally, acid forming foods include: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, and legumes. 5. 06/21/14 5 Citric Acid And Lactic Acid Although both citric acid and lactic acid are acids BUT Citric acid leads to Alkalosis while Lactic acid to Acidosis due to metabolism 6. 06/21/14 6 Acidoses & Alkalosis • An abnormality in one or more of the pH control mechanisms can cause one of two major disturbances in Acid-BaseAcid-Base balance – AcidosisAcidosis – AlkalosisAlkalosis 7. 06/21/14 7 Acidosis • Acidosis is excessive blood acidity caused by an overabundance of acid in the blood or a loss of bicarbonate from the blood (metabolic acidosis), or by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from poor lung function or slow breathing (respiratory acidosis). • Blood acidity increases when people ingest substances that contain or produce acid or when the lungs do not expel enou Continue reading >>
Acidosis/alkalosis
This article waslast modified on 31 January 2019. Acidosis and alkalosis are terms used to describe abnormal conditions when a patients blood pH may not fall within the healthy range. Measuring the hydrogen ion concentration, and calculating the pH , of blood is a way of finding out how acidic or alkaline the blood is. Normal blood pH must be within a narrow range of 7.35-7.45 so that the bodys metabolic processes can work properly and can deliver the right amount of oxygen to tissues. Many diseases and other conditions can cause a patients blood pH to fall outside of these healthy limits. In the human body, normal metabolism generates large quantities of acids (effectively compounds that produce a free hydrogen ion) that must be removed to keep a normal pH balance. Disruption of this balance can be caused by a build-up of acid or alkali (base) or by an increased loss of acid or alkali (see the diagram of taps and drains below). Alkalis, or bases, are compounds that remove a free hydrogen ion. Acidosis occurs when blood pH falls below 7.35, indicating an increase in hydrogen ion concentration. Alkalosis occurs when blood pH rises above 7.45, indicating a reduction in hydrogen ion concentration. Both of these conditions act as an alarm to the body; they trigger actions intended to restore the balance and to return the blood pH to its normal range. The major organs involved in regulating blood pH are the lungs and the kidneys. The lungs flush acid out of the body by exhaling carbon dioxide (CO2), which forms an acid when in solution (dissolved in the blood). Within physical limits, the body can raise and lower the rate of breathing to alter the amount of carbon dioxide that is breathed out. This can affect blood pH within seconds to minutes. The kidneys remove some acids Continue reading >>
Acidosis/alkalosis:
Bases: Have a higher affinity for protons than water and easily acquire protons in aqueous solution. charged (+1) when protonated (Acids uncharged) uncharged when de-protonated (Acids -1 charge) Most common biological weak base is the amino group, -NH2 Despite the differences between acids and bases the pKa concept can be used to quantitate the relative strength of amino groups. Notice: pKa values for carboxylic acid are less than < 7, pka values for amino groups are >7 (usually 9-11) i.e. a simple biologically important 10 amine, ethanolamine, pKa = 9.5 or choline, a quaternary (40) amine, pKa = 13.9 Choline is a good compound for systems in which a permanent positive charge is desirable, i.e. membranes (hydrophilic head groups) Phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) a key amphiphilic compound in biological membranes Buffering: At or near their pKa both weak acids and weak bases will resist changes in pH, thus acting as buffers Buffering is very important in biological systems, for rapid pH changes have disastrous consequences. The buffering capacity of ethanolamine and acetic acid occur well outside of the pH range normally seen in human blood (pH 7.35-7.45). Thus, other ionizable compounds must serve this function in biological fluids. The most important single buffer in human is the bicarbonate ion -CO2 is added to the system at varying rates by metabolic processes -rate of formation of H2CO3 from CO2 and H2O is slow, so is enhanced by the enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, found in red blood cells (RBC) -CO2 is expired by the lungs at varying rates (respiration) -levels of HCO3- can be adjusted by the kidney via excretion CO2Production: -normally balanced by CO2 expired from the lungs However, certain medical conditions can throw the equation out of balance... Respiratory Acidosi Continue reading >>
Acidosis Vs. Alkalosis
In this lesson, we're going to learn about acidosis and alkalosis. We'll take a look at the causes, signs, and symptoms that are associated with each condition. Balanced Blood We are constantly having to find balance in our lives. From balancing work and play time to saving and spending money, sleep and awake time. Well, ideally at least. We do this because we know that we function best when we're balanced. There are many similar balances that are going on inside of our bodies. An important balance that must be maintained to allow us to function properly is the balance between acids and bases in our bodies. When these are balanced, the acids pair up with the bases, and our blood is close to neutral. If too much acid is in the blood, then we experience acidosis. If too much base is in the blood, we experience alkalosis. Acidosis and alkalosis are caused by different conditions in our bodies, and they can cause different problems to occur. Acidosis Acidosis results from the build-up of acids in the blood or from the loss of base in the blood. Acids are put into our bloodstream through two systems in the body: the digestive system and the respiratory system. Acidosis that occurs from the digestive system is referred to as metabolic acidosis. In this instance, acids accumulate in the blood due to consumption of acidic foods or foods that are broken down into acids, excess acids being produced during metabolism, kidneys not properly removing acid from the bloodstream during filtration, or production of acid by the body due to other medical conditions, such as diabetes. The other possible way to develop acidosis is by the malfunctioning of the respiratory system, which we refer to as respiratory acidosis. This can happen if breathing is extremely slow or shallow, the lungs do Continue reading >>
Metabolic And Respiratory Acidosis And Alkalosis
There are two main types of pH imbalances in the body: acidosis and alkalosis. An increase in H+ ion levels in the blood causes pH levels to fall resulting in acidosis. A decrease in H+ levels causes pH levels to rise, making the blood more basic, or alkaline. These conditions can be caused by two kinds of disturbances to the buffers that control the body’s pH levels, which alter the acid-base balance. Metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are the results of disruptions to the bicarbonate and carbonic acid components of the chemical buffers. Metabolic and respiratory acidosis result when pH levels fall due to an increase in H+ ions or a loss of bases causing the bodily fluids to become slightly acidic. Insufficient bicarbonate levels lower the pH levels of fluids in the digestive tract, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is caused by excessive carbonic acid in the respiratory system, which lowers pH levels through the retention of CO2. Alkalosis is the result of opposite changes to the acid-base balance: excessive bicarbonate levels in the digestive system increases pH as H+ ion concentrations decrease, which causes fluids to become more basic. Insufficient carbonic acid levels are caused by excessive exhalation of CO2, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Treatment for metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis varies depending on the underlying cause of the imbalance. Respiratory acidosis caused by hypoventilation can be treated with oxygen therapy and the help of breathing machines to help restore normal oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange, allowing the kidneys time to increase production of bicarbonate and reestablish the acid-base balance of the blood. Respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation can be treated with inhalation of Continue reading >>
- Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)*
- Ultraviolet Radiation Suppresses Obesity and Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome Independently of Vitamin D in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
- Why Diabetes Is Dangerous: How to Recognize the Signs of this Metabolic Disease
Disorders Of Acid-base Balance
Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Identify the three blood variables considered when making a diagnosis of acidosis or alkalosis Identify the source of compensation for blood pH problems of a respiratory origin Identify the source of compensation for blood pH problems of a metabolic/renal origin Normal arterial blood pH is restricted to a very narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. A person who has a blood pH below 7.35 is considered to be in acidosis (actually, “physiological acidosis,” because blood is not truly acidic until its pH drops below 7), and a continuous blood pH below 7.0 can be fatal. Acidosis has several symptoms, including headache and confusion, and the individual can become lethargic and easily fatigued. A person who has a blood pH above 7.45 is considered to be in alkalosis, and a pH above 7.8 is fatal. Some symptoms of alkalosis include cognitive impairment (which can progress to unconsciousness), tingling or numbness in the extremities, muscle twitching and spasm, and nausea and vomiting. Both acidosis and alkalosis can be caused by either metabolic or respiratory disorders. As discussed earlier in this chapter, the concentration of carbonic acid in the blood is dependent on the level of CO2 in the body and the amount of CO2 gas exhaled through the lungs. Thus, the respiratory contribution to acid-base balance is usually discussed in terms of CO2 (rather than of carbonic acid). Remember that a molecule of carbonic acid is lost for every molecule of CO2 exhaled, and a molecule of carbonic acid is formed for every molecule of CO2 retained. Metabolic Acidosis: Primary Bicarbonate Deficiency Metabolic acidosis occurs when the blood is too acidic (pH below 7.35) due to too little bicarbonate, a condition called primary bicar Continue reading >>
Metabolic Acidosis And Alkalosis -
1. الرحيم الرحمن هللا بسم Ahmad A. Al-Qudah Supervision : Dr. Saleem Bani Hani Metabolic Acidosis & Alkalosis 2. Metabolic Acidosis & Alkalosis • Terms And Definitions • Acid – Base Balance ( Regulation ) • Acid – Base Disorders ( Acidosis & Alkalosis ) • Metabolic Acidosis • Metabolic Alkalosis • Measurements • References 3. Terms And Definitions • Acid : substance that can yield Hydrogen ion Strong Acid pH < 3.0 • Base : substance that can yield Hydroxyl ion Strong Base pH > 9.0 • pH : terms that we use to describe the level of Acidity and Basicity of Aq. Solution . 4. Acid – Base Balance • Maintenance of Hydrogen ion concentration in the ECF ( Extracellular Fluid ) within the Normal Range . - Normal Range : 36 – 44 nmol/L - pH : 7.35 – 7.45 ( Slightly Alkaline ) ACID BASE 5. Acid – Base Balance ( Regulation ) How the Body maintain the Hydrogen ion concentration • Lung • Buffer System ( Carbonic Acid , Bicarbonate ) - Henderson Equation 6. Acid – Base Balance ( Regulation ) How the Body maintain the Hydrogen ion concentration • Kidney - Regulate by excreting Acid (Hydrogen ion) and reclaiming Bicarbonate . - Reclaiming Bicarbonate from glomerular filtrate . - Hydrogen ion combined with ammonia and excreting as Ammonium . 7. Acid – Base Disorders ( Acidosis & Alkalosis ) • Acidosis : Increase in Acids [ Hydrogen ion ] --> Decrease in pH • Alkalosis : Decrease in Acids [ Hydrogen ion ] -- > Increase in pH ACID BASE BASEACID 8. Metabolic Acidosis • is a metabolic condition that occurs when the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body . Because of the decrease in Bicarbonate level . Shift to Right Bicarbonate Hydrogen ion 9. Metabo Continue reading >>
- Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)*
- Ultraviolet Radiation Suppresses Obesity and Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome Independently of Vitamin D in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
- Why Diabetes Is Dangerous: How to Recognize the Signs of this Metabolic Disease
Acid Base Disorders
Arterial blood gas analysis is used to determine the adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation, assess respiratory function and determine the acid–base balance. These data provide information regarding potential primary and compensatory processes that affect the body’s acid–base buffering system. Interpret the ABGs in a stepwise manner: Determine the adequacy of oxygenation (PaO2) Normal range: 80–100 mmHg (10.6–13.3 kPa) Determine pH status Normal pH range: 7.35–7.45 (H+ 35–45 nmol/L) pH <7.35: Acidosis is an abnormal process that increases the serum hydrogen ion concentration, lowers the pH and results in acidaemia. pH >7.45: Alkalosis is an abnormal process that decreases the hydrogen ion concentration and results in alkalaemia. Determine the respiratory component (PaCO2) Primary respiratory acidosis (hypoventilation) if pH <7.35 and HCO3– normal. Normal range: PaCO2 35–45 mmHg (4.7–6.0 kPa) PaCO2 >45 mmHg (> 6.0 kPa): Respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis if pH >7.45 and HCO3– (increased). PaCO2 <35 mmHg (4.7 kPa): Primary respiratory alkalosis (hyperventilation) if pH >7.45 and HCO3– normal. Respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis if pH <7.35 and HCO3– (decreased). Determine the metabolic component (HCO3–) Normal HCO3– range 22–26 mmol/L HCO3 <22 mmol/L: Primary metabolic acidosis if pH <7.35. Renal compensation for respiratory alkalosis if pH >7.45. HCO3 >26 mmol/L: Primary metabolic alkalosis if pH >7.45. Renal compensation for respiratory acidosis if pH <7.35. Additional definitions Osmolar Gap Use: Screening test for detecting abnormal low MW solutes (e.g. ethanol, methanol & ethylene glycol [Reference]) An elevated osmolar gap (>10) provides indirect evidence for the presence of an abnormal solute which is prese Continue reading >>
Types Of Disturbances
The different types of acid-base disturbances are differentiated based on: Origin: Respiratory or metabolic Primary or secondary (compensatory) Uncomplicated or mixed: A simple or uncomplicated disturbance is a single or primary acid-base disturbance with or without compensation. A mixed disturbance is more than one primary disturbance (not a primary with an expected compensatory response). Acid-base disturbances have profound effects on the body. Acidemia results in arrythmias, decreased cardiac output, depression, and bone demineralization. Alkalemia results in tetany and convulsions, weakness, polydipsia and polyuria. Thus, the body will immediately respond to changes in pH or H+, which must be kept within strict defined limits. As soon as there is a metabolic or respiratory acid-base disturbance, body buffers immediately soak up the proton (in acidosis) or release protons (alkalosis) to offset the changes in H+ (i.e. the body compensates for the changes in H+). This is very effective so minimal changes in pH occur if the body is keeping up or the acid-base abnormality is mild. However, once buffers are overwhelmed, the pH will change and kick in stronger responses. Remember that the goal of the body is to keep hydrogen (which dictates pH) within strict defined limits. The kidney and lungs are the main organs responsible for maintaining normal acid-base balance. The lungs compensate for a primary metabolic condition and will correct for a primary respiratory disturbance if the disease or condition causing the disturbance is resolved. The kidney is responsible for compensating for a primary respiratory disturbance or correcting for a primary metabolic disturbance. Thus, normal renal function is essential for the body to be able to adequately neutralize acid-base abnor Continue reading >>
