Alkalosis: Definition, Mechanism & Common Misconceptions
Alkalosis is a pathophysiological state where blood pH rises above 7.45 due to:
- Excess base (HCO₃⁻ retention/gain) → Metabolic alkalosis
- Deficit of acid (H⁺ loss or CO₂ blow-off) → Respiratory alkalosis (hyperventilation) or metabolic (vomiting, diuretics)
It is not caused by a "deficiency" of a specific substance per se, but by a disturbance in acid-base homeostasis. Treatment targets the underlying etiology (e.g., volume resuscitation for contraction alkalosis, treat cause of hyperventilation).
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