2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Respiratory system
Respiratory system

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, incidence, and risk factors:
Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath may result in respiratory alkalosis. Fever and anxiety are also common causes of hyperventilation.
Symptoms:
  • Light-headedness
  • Numbness
Signs and tests:
  • Respiratory alkalosis is diagnosed by an arterial blood gas
  • A chest X-ray or pulmonary function test 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.
Expectations (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.
Calling 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.
Review Date: 1/25/2002
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com