Introduction
A fluid's acidity or alkalinity can be determined using the pH scale, which ranges from 1 to 14. While 1 is highly acidic and 14 is highly alkaline, sometimes referred to as basic, pH 7 is considered neutral. The pH of the human body is typically around 7.4, which is a little higher than the pH of 7, and is chemically neutral. This slightly alkaline pH balance is ideal for many vital bodily functions that occur continuously.
For example, a normal pH and proper acid-base balance allow the right quantity of oxygen to enter and circulate in the blood, supplying all the cells and tissues of the body with oxygen. Conversely, if body fluids are too acidic, proteins, including enzymes, which accelerate many chemical reactions in the body, cannot function normally.
What Is Acidosis and Alkalosis?
The abnormal state of blood having either a higher or a lower pH than the desired value is referred to as acidosis or alkalosis. There are several causes for these conditions, but diseases are typically the culprit. Acidosis denotes a blood pH that is lower than what is considered normal. The opposite of acidosis is alkalosis. It suggests that the blood's pH is higher than usual. The narrow pH range of 7.35 to 7.45 is required for normal blood for the body's metabolic processes to function properly and provide the proper amount of oxygen to tissues. The main distinction between acidosis and alkalosis is that the former is characterized by a blood pH below 7.35, whereas the latter is characterized by a pH above 7.45.
Large amounts of acids (essentially substances that produce a free hydrogen ion) are produced by normal metabolism in the human body and must be eliminated to maintain a normal pH balance. A buildup of acid or alkali (base) or a heightened loss of acid or alkali can both upset this equilibrium. Compounds that remove a free hydrogen ion are known as bases or alkalis. When blood pH drops below 7.35, hydrogen ion concentration rises, and acidosis results. When blood pH rises above 7.45, indicating a drop in hydrogen ion concentration, alkalosis occurs. Both situations signal the body that something is wrong and cause it to take steps to balance and bring the blood pH back within normal limits.
The lungs and kidneys play a major role in controlling blood pH. By exhaling carbon dioxide (CO2), which produces acid when in solution, the lungs remove acid from the body (dissolved in the blood). The body can alter the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by increasing and decreasing the rate of breathing within physical limits. The pH of the blood may change as soon as a few seconds. The kidneys produce and control the retention of bicarbonate (HCO3), a base (alkali) that raises the pH of the blood and also removes some acids from the urine. Compared to changes in carbon dioxide, changes in the bicarbonate concentration happen more gradually and can take hours or days. Both of these processes frequently occur simultaneously, continuing until the body's ability to compensate is depleted or overwhelmed or until the balance is restored. The control of blood pH can be hampered by illnesses of the lungs, kidneys, or other metabolic organs.
What Are the Causes of Acidosis and Alkalosis?
The two main categories of acid-base disorders are respiratory and metabolic. Respiratory acidosis (low pH) and respiratory alkalosis are conditions that impair breathing and change the concentration of carbon dioxide (high pH). Lung disorders or other conditions that interfere with normal breathing frequently cause respiratory acid-base disorders.
Metabolic acidosis (low pH) and metabolic alkalosis are disorders that affect the concentration of bicarbonate (high pH). Kidney disease and several other diseases can cause metabolic acid-base disorders. Additionally, genetic anomalies are known to impair normal metabolic pathways and result in acid-base imbalance, most commonly acidosis. These are referred to as inborn errors of metabolism (or genetic-metabolic disorders). The acid-base effect is brought on by deficiencies or accumulations of compounds, many of which have an acidic nature. In addition to these conditions, severe vomiting and diarrhea, as well as diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis), can also result in metabolic (non-respiratory) acid-base disorders.
1. Respiratory Acidosis:
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Reduced removal of carbon dioxide.
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Reduced breathing (due to drugs or central nervous system disorders).
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Slow breathing.
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Lung disorders.
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Respiratory muscle and nerve illness (myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, botulism, Guillain-Barre syndrome).
2. Respiratory Alkalosis:
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Increased removal of carbon dioxide.
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Rapid respiration (due to anxiety, pain, and shock).
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Fever or a severe infection.
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Liver failure.
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Lung congestion, pneumonia, or an embolism.
3. Metabolic Acidosis:
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Reduced bicarbonate concentration.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis.
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Kidney failure.
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Lactic acidosis.
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Overdoses of salicylates (aspirin), methanol, ethylene glycol, and toluene.
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Gastrointestinal bicarbonate loss, such as that caused by persistent diarrhea.
4. Metabolic Alkalosis:
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An increase in bicarbonate concentration.
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Diuretics.
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Prolonged vomiting.
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Severe dehydration.
What Are the Symptoms of Acidosis and Alkalosis?
1. Acidosis: Mild acidosis might exist without showing any symptoms. In some circumstances, particularly in people who are seriously ill, it can worsen if not identified and treated. Acidosis can occasionally result in severe physical consequences, including
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Hyperventilation (breathing abnormally fast or deeply).
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Impaired heart function.
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Reduced blood pressure.
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Coma.
2. Alkalosis: Mild, persistent (chronic) alkalosis may happen with no obvious symptoms. Symptoms of alkalosis that result in severe or quick pH changes may include the following:
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Dizziness or lightheadedness.
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Numbness of the hands and feet.
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Muscle twitching or spasms.
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Confusion.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Low levels of oxygen in the blood.
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Seizures.
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Losing consciousness or being nearly unconscious.
How Are Acidosis and Alkalosis Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and inquire about the symptoms.
The following laboratory examinations may be suggested:
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Venous or arterial blood gas analysis.
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Basic metabolic panel (group of blood tests that assess kidney function, sodium and potassium levels, and other chemicals and processes) to determine whether the type of disorder is metabolic or respiratory.
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Blood ketones.
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Lactic acid test.
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Urine ketones.
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Urine pH.
How Are Acidosis and Alkalosis Treated?
Most acid-base disorders do not necessitate the abnormal pH to be treated. Instead, finding the cause of the acid-base disorder and treating it as needed is the goal of diagnosis. In rare cases, doctors may administer intravenous bicarbonate to patients whose blood pH levels are dangerously low.
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Treatment of Acidosis: The cause of acidosis will determine how it is treated. For instance, therapy may focus on using insulin to control blood sugar levels in cases of metabolic acidosis brought on by untreated diabetes. If breathing issues are the root of acidosis, treatment focuses on enhancing lung capacity. Mechanical ventilation might be required if breathing is seriously compromised.
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Treatment of Alkalosis: Fluids and electrolytes can be administered to patients with metabolic alkalosis while the underlying cause of fluid loss is managed. Making sure the patient has enough oxygen and taking care of the underlying causes of hyperventilation, such as an infection, pain, or anxiety, respiratory alkalosis can be treated.
Conclusion
Acidosis and alkalosis are conditions that cause diseases in our body because of changes in blood pH. Alkalosis denotes a high blood pH, while acidosis denotes a lower blood pH. The prognosis is primarily influenced by how quickly it is identified. The sooner one receives treatment for the
