Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the pH of the blood becomes more basic than it should be, that is, when it is greater than 7. 45, which occurs in situations such as vomiting, use of diuretics or excessive consumption of bicarbonate, for example.
This is a serious change because it can cause an imbalance of other blood electrolytes, such as calcium and potassium, and cause symptoms such as weakness, headache, muscle changes, seizures or cardiac arrhythmia.
- It is important that the body maintains its balanced pH.
- Which must be between 7.
- 35 and 7.
- 45.
- For the body’s metabolism to function properly.
- Another worrying situation that can occur is when the pH is below 7.
- 35.
- With metabolic acidosis.
- And what causes it.
Metabolic alkalosis is usually caused by loss of H-ions in the blood or accumulation of baking soda, making the body more basic. Some of the main situations behind these changes are:
In addition to metabolic alkalosis, another reason why blood pH remains at a basic pH is respiratory alkalosis, caused by a lack of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, which makes it less acidic than normal, and this occurs in situations such as very fast and deep breathing Learn more about what it is , the causes and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.
Metabolic alkalosis does not always cause symptoms and in most cases it is the symptoms of the disease that cause alkalosis. However, symptoms such as muscle spasms, weakness, headaches, mental confusion, dizziness and seizures can also occur, mainly caused by changes in electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and sodium.
Generally, when the pH of the blood changes, the body itself tries to correct this situation, to avoid complications.
Metabolic alkalosis compensation occurs mainly through the lungs, which begin to breathe more slowly to retain more carbon dioxide (CO2) and increase blood acidity.
The kidneys also try to compensate by altering the absorption or excretion of substances in the urine, trying to eliminate more bicarbonate; However, other changes can occur together, in the blood or in the kidneys, such as dehydration or loss of potassium, for example, especially in seriously ill people, making it difficult for the body to correct these changes.
Diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis is made by tests that measure blood pH, and it is also important to evaluate how levels of bicarbonate, carbon dioxide and certain electrolytes are found in the blood.
Your doctor will also perform the clinical evaluation to try to identify the cause. In addition, measuring chlorine and potassium in the urine can help clarify the presence of kidney changes in electrolyte filtration.
To treat metabolic alkalosis, at first it is necessary to treat its cause, either gastroenteritis or the use of certain drugs, for example, in some cases hydration through the vein is necessary with a saline solution.
Acetazolamide is a drug that can be used to help remove bicarbonate from urine in more troubling cases, however, in very severe cases, it may be necessary to administer acids directly into the vein or perform a blood leak by haemodialysis.