This is usually due to uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Hyperchloremic acidosis is when your body loses too much sodium bicarbonate, often after severe diarrhea. Diagnostic testing may include serum electrolytes, urine pH, and arterial blood gases. Once acidosis is confirmed, other tests may be necessary to pinpoint the cause. The underlying condition behind the acidosis must be treated. In some cases, sodium bicarbonate is prescribed to return the blood to a normal pH.
Alkalosis is when alkaline levels are too high due to decreased carbon dioxide or increased bicarbonate. There are five kinds of alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is when your blood has low levels of carbon dioxide. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:. When you have alkalosis your carbon dioxide levels are low. This causes your body to release more bicarbonate to return your blood pH level back to normal.
This is called compensated alkalosis. Your blood pH levels will test normal, however your kidneys are releasing more bicarbonate, compensating for the lower levels of carbon dioxide. When your blood has too much bicarbonate, it is called metabolic alkalosis.
This can happen from prolonged vomiting. Prolonged vomiting can also make you lose too much chloride. This is called hypochloremic alkalosis. Some diuretic medicines can cause you to lose too much potassium. This is called hypokalemic alkalosis. Exams and Tests. The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Laboratory tests that may be ordered include: Arterial blood gas analysis.
Electrolytes test, such as basic metabolic panel to confirm alkalosis and show whether it is respiratory or metabolic alkalosis. Other tests may be needed to determine the cause of the alkalosis. These may include: Chest x-ray Urinalysis Urine pH. To treat alkalosis, your provider needs to first find the underlying cause. Outlook Prognosis. Possible Complications.
Untreated or not treated properly, complications may include any of the following: Arrhythmias heart beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly Coma Electrolyte imbalance such as low potassium level. When to Contact a Medical Professional. Metabolic Disorders Read more. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports nausea and vomiting as another typical alkalosis symptom, but again, these symptoms by themselves cannot lead one to the conclusion that elevated alkalinity is the root cause.
Interestingly, prolonged vomiting can also cause alkalosis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Such instances are specified as hypochloremic alkalosis, brought on by extremely low levels of chloride due to the loss of stomach liquids and other contents. Health Blood Conditions Blood Health. Josh Baum. Josh Baum is a freelance writer with extensive experience in advertising and public relations. Common tests include:. A blood pH above 7. Your doctor may also want to measure the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in your blood to rule out respiratory issues.
Your carbon dioxide level needs to return to normal if you have respiratory alkalosis. If you have rapid breathing caused by anxiety, taking slow, deep breaths can often improve symptoms and regulate your oxygen level. If your rapid breathing is caused by pain, then treating the pain will help bring your respiratory rate back to normal and improve your symptoms. Some cases of alkalosis result from an electrolyte imbalance, which may be corrected by drinking plenty of fluids or drinks that contain electrolytes.
If you have an advanced case of electrolyte imbalance, it will need to be treated in the hospital. Reduce your risk for developing alkalosis by maintaining good health, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. Choosing foods high in nutrients and potassium can help combat electrolyte deficiencies. Nutrients and potassium are primarily found in fruits and vegetables, as well as some other foods, such as:.
Steps you can take to prevent dehydration include:. Dehydration can also occur rapidly if you lose a lot of electrolytes.
If you cannot keep potassium-rich foods in your stomach, make sure you still drink adequate fluids, such as water, sports drinks, and broth-based soups. The warning signs of dehydration in toddlers ». The sooner your condition is treated, the better the outcome is for that condition.
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