Acid-base imbalances
Respiratory acidosis is caused by the breathing pattern and a decrease in pH levels of blood. Compensation in the body occurs in the form of an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels.
Symptoms, treatments:
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, confusion, headache
- Treatments: Improving ventilation, administering oxygen
Respiratory alkalosis is caused by the breathing pattern and an increase in pH levels of blood. Compensation in the body occurs in the form of a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels.
Symptoms, treatments:
- Symptoms: Hyperventilation, lightheadedness, tingling in extremities
- Treatments: Addressing the underlying cause, breathing into a paper bag to increase carbon dioxide levels
Metabolic alkalosis is caused by an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the body. Compensation in the body occurs in the form of an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels by a change in breathing pattern to decrease the respiratory rate.
Symptoms, treatments:
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching
- Treatments: Treating the underlying cause, administering intravenous fluids
Metabolic acidosis is caused by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels in the body. Compensation in the body occurs in the form of an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels by a change in breathing pattern to increase the respiratory rate.
Symptoms, treatments:
- Symptoms: Fatigue, confusion, rapid breathing
- Treatments: Treating the underlying cause, administering intravenous bicarbonate
Anion gap: What does it mean when it is elevated or normal when associated with metabolic acidosis?