What is respiratory alkalosis?
Respiratory alkalosis is a health condition characterized by reduced carbon dioxide levels. Since they are lungs, which are one of the two organs that regulate the ratio of pH acid to the base in the body, respiratory alkalosis is also characterized by body fluids that become too alkaline. While respiratory alkalosis rarely threatens life, sometimes it can lead to serious complications such as seizures, heart arrhythmias or loss of consciousness.
The mechanism behind respiratory alkalosis is quite simple. First, breathing very quickly brings more oxygen to the lungs than usual. Normally, oxygen would be replaced and exhaled as carbon dioxide. However, when breathing is stressed and the person tries to get more air breathing faster, this exchange does not take place at the right rate. This is what leads to abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which in turn causes the pH of the body to become too alkaline.
Several things can be caused by responds. PrimaryIt is hyperventilation that can spring from various health problems. For example, any type of pulmonary disorder that causes shortness of breath can cause this event. This includes asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or a combination of these disorders marked together as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, hyperventilation can also be caused by severe anxiety, panic attacks, experiencing terrible situations or phobias, or even in response to fever.
The most common symptoms of respiratory alkalosis are dizziness and feeling of tingling in the fingers, legs or face. Sometimes your hands can tremble. In addition, some people may experience nausea and/or vomiting. In extreme cases, muscles can jerk or spasm into a state of tetana, which creates serious, involuntary muscle contractions. Symptoms sometimes progresses to the extent that it causes mental confusion or stupidity and in a very rare caseh coma.
Diagnosis of respiratory alkalosis is performed by observing symptoms, followed by pH testing. The fluid pH analysis is determined by the test of arterial blood gas, although urine analysis can also be performed. These tests also help doctors to determine whether the alkalosis condition has been caused by respiratory disorder or metabolic disorder involving kidneys.
treatment is more relevant to the basic cause of respiratory alkalosis and may include medicines that help control asthma or other breathing disorder. In the emergency scenario, immediate symptoms would certainly be addressed, usually by the fact that the patient's oxygen will help increase carbon dioxide levels and correct the pH of liquid. At home, the patient can take care of the condition simply by breathing in a paper bag. However, if there should be confusion, seizures or extreme breathing problems, visit a surprise room or call to convene emergency rescuers is guaranteed.