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Respiratory Alkalosis
Definition
Respiratory alkalosis is a condition of
excessive alkalinity of the body, most often associated with respiratory
(breathing) disorders. The pH (a measure of acidity) is elevated and
carbon dioxide levels are reduced.
Common causes include
hyperventilation
(increased
rate of breathing),
anxiety,
and
fever.
The symptoms may include
light-headedness,
dizziness,
and
numbness
of the hands and feet.
The treatment includes removal of the
cause. Breathing into a paper bag (or use of a mask that causes
re-breathing of carbon dioxide) helps reduce symptoms in some cases.
Causes and risks
Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath may result in
respiratory alkalosis. Fever and anxiety are also common causes of
hyperventilation.
Symptoms
The two primary symptoms are light-headedness and numbness
Signs and tests
Respiratory alkalosis is diagnosed by an arterial blood gas (ABG),
and chest X-ray or pulmonary function
tests may be done to diagnose possible lung disease.
Treatment
Treatment
is aimed at the disease that causes hyperventilation and respiratory
alkalosis. Life-threatening respiratory alkalosis is very rare.
Prognosis
The prognosis is based on the disease
that causes the respiratory alkalosis
Complications
Seizures may occur if the alkalosis is extremely severe. This is very
rare.
Call your health
care provider
Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of lung disease,
such as chronic cough or shortness of breath.
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) |
