Respiratory Alkalosis
Alternate Names : Hyperventilation-Induced Alkalosis
Alkalosis describes a condition in which the amount of acid in the body is reduced. It may be due to breathing too fast, which is called respiratory alkalosis.
What is going on in the body?
The kidneys and lungs work to keep the level of acid in the body at a constant level. The kidneys can get rid of acid in the urine and the lungs can get rid of acid in the form of carbon dioxide gas. Many different conditions can cause the lungs to breathe out more carbon dioxide than usual.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many things that can cause too much acid in the body. Examples include dehydration, infection, not getting enough oxygen, certain toxins, and kidney problems. Respiratory alkalosis in these cases is a normal reaction of the body.
Abnormal cases, in which the level of acid in the body is normal, may be caused by:
anxiety
brain damage, such as head injury or a stroke
certain medications, such as aspirin
pregnancy, which usually causes only mild cases
liver failure, such as cirrhosis
inflammation or tumors in the central nervous system
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