Acid–base imbalance

Acid–base imbalance is a medical condition that occurs when the pH of the body is outside of the normal range (7.35-7.45). This can be due to an increase (alkalosis) or decrease (acidosis) in the level of acids or bases in the body. Acid–base imbalance can be caused by various factors, including respiratory disorders, metabolic disorders, and the ingestion of certain substances.

Causes

Acid–base imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Respiratory disorders: Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can lead to an acid–base imbalance.
• Metabolic disorders: Conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can cause an acid–base imbalance.
• Ingestion of certain substances: Certain drugs and toxins can cause an acid–base imbalance.

Types

There are four main types of acid–base imbalance:

• Respiratory acidosis: This occurs when the body cannot remove enough carbon dioxide.
• Respiratory alkalosis: This occurs when the body removes too much carbon dioxide.
• Metabolic acidosis: This occurs when the body produces too much acid or cannot remove enough acid.
• Metabolic alkalosis: This occurs when the body produces too much base or cannot remove enough base.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acid–base imbalance typically involves a blood test to measure the pH and the levels of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in the blood. Other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the imbalance.

Treatment

Treatment of acid–base imbalance typically involves treating the underlying cause of the imbalance. This may involve medication, changes in diet, or other interventions.

See also

• Acid–base homeostasis
• Acid–base physiology
• Arterial blood gas test