Understanding Urinary Alkalosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Urinary alkalosis occurs when a person's urine and other body fluids are more alkaline than acidic. This imbalance can have several causes and may be treated with medications. Doctors may perform several urine tests to measure alkalosis.

Excess Bicarbonate

• Alkalosis may be caused by excessive amounts of bicarbonate in the blood, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Chloride Loss

• Patients may develop alkalosis after a loss of chloride that may occur when a person vomits excessively.

Potassium Loss

• The kidneys can cause alkalosis to develop when the body has insufficient levels of potassium. Potassium levels can become low when a patient takes diuretic drugs.

Compensated Alkalosis

• Compensated alkalosis can occur when abnormal bicarbonate and carbon dioxide levels persist after the body returns to an otherwise normal acid and base balance.

Tests

• Doctors may use several urine tests to measure alkalosis including a urinalysis test, a urine pH test and litmus paper urine test.