08 Acid-Base Balance
08 Acid-Base Balance
08 Acid-Base Balance
• Respiratory alkalosis
– Caused by increased ventilation & decreased
PCO2: from emotionally induced hyperventilation
or high altitudes
Metabolic Acidosis & Alkalosis
• Metabolic acidosis
– Decreased extracellular bicarbonate ions
– Causes:
• Kidney failure
• Formation of excess metabolic acids
• Ingestion of acids (aspirin & methyl alcohol)
• Loss of bicarbonate ions in diarrhea
• Metabolic Alkalosis
– Caused by either build-up of bicarbonate ions or
loss of H from the body
• Loss of HCl from stomach due to vomiting
• Ingestion of alkaline drugs (Na bicarbonate for ulcers)