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Alkalosis

Definition

Alkalosis is a condition in which the body fluids have excess base (alkali). This is the opposite of excess acid (acidosis).

Causes

The kidneys and lungs maintain the proper balance (proper pH level) of chemicals called acids and bases in the body. Decreased carbon dioxide (an acid) level or increased bicarbonate (a base) level makes the body too alkaline, a condition called alkalosis. There are different types of alkalosis. These are described below.

Respiratory alkalosis is caused by a low carbon dioxide level in the blood. This can be due to:

• Fever

• Being at a high altitude

• Lack of oxygen

• Liver disease

• Lung disease, which causes you to breathe faster (hyperventilate)

• Aspirin poisoning

Metabolic alkalosis is caused by too much bicarbonate in the blood. It can also occur due to certain kidney diseases.

Hypochloremic alkalosis is caused by an extreme lack or loss of chloride, such as from prolonged vomiting.

Hypokalemic alkalosis is caused by the kidneys' response to an extreme lack or loss of potassium. This can occur from taking certain water pills (diuretics).

Compensated alkalosis occurs when the body returns the acid-base balance to near normal in cases of alkalosis, but bicarbonate and carbon dioxide levels remain abnormal.

Symptoms

Symptoms of alkalosis can include any of the following:

• Confusion (can progress to stupor or coma)

• Hand tremor

• Lightheadedness

• Muscle twitching

• Nausea, vomiting

• Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, or feet

• Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

Laboratory tests that may be ordered include:

• Arterial or venous blood gas analysis.

• Electrolytes test, such as basic metabolic panel to confirm alkalosis and show whether it is respiratory or metabolic alkalosis.

Other blood tests may be needed to determine the cause of the alkalosis.

Other tests may be needed to determine the cause of the alkalosis. These may include:

• Chest x-ray

• Urinalysis

• Urine pH

Treatment

To treat alkalosis, your provider needs to first find the underlying cause.

For alkalosis caused by hyperventilation, breathing into a paper bag allows you to keep more carbon dioxide in your body, which improves the alkalosis. If your oxygen level is low, you may receive oxygen.

Medicines may be needed to correct chemical loss (such as chloride and potassium). Your provider will monitor your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure).

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most cases of alkalosis respond well to treatment.

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

Contact your provider if you become confused, unable to concentrate, or unable to "catch your breath."

Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if there is:

• Loss of consciousness

• Rapidly worsening symptoms of alkalosis

• Seizures

• Severe breathing difficulties

Prevention

Prevention depends on the cause of the alkalosis. People with healthy kidneys and lungs do not usually have serious alkalosis.

References

Oh MS, Briefel G, Pincus MR. Evaluation of renal function, water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 15.

Sanghavi S, Albert TJ, Swenson ER. Acid-base balance. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 12.

Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 104.

Review Date: 11/19/2023

Reviewed By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.