Alila Academy

Alkalosis refers to a process that causes increased alkalinity in the blood and body’s tissues. 

The body’s blood pH is maintained by the balance between acids and bases. Alkalosis occurs when bases accumulate or acids are lost.

The major players are carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. Carbon dioxide acts as an acid as it combines with water to make carbonic acid, releasing hydrogen ions; while bicarbonate binds to and neutralizes hydrogen ions, acting as a base. 

Normal cellular metabolism constantly produces and excretes carbon dioxide into the blood, and therefore constantly making the blood more acidic. The body keeps the blood pH within the normal range by 2 mechanisms: 

- removal of carbon dioxide through exhalation by the lungs, 

- and excretion of acids and reabsorption of bicarbonate through the kidneys. 

Pulmonary regulation is fast, acting within minutes to hours. Renal regulation is slower, taking days to respond to pH changes. 

There are 2 major types of alkalosis: respiratory and metabolic.

Respiratory alkalosis results from increased respiratory rate or volume, or hyperventilation. As carbon dioxide is excessively exhaled, the blood becomes more alkaline, its pH increases. 

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by primary decrease in carbon dioxide partial pressure. Compensatory decrease in bicarbonate may or may not occur; pH may be high or near normal. 

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