# Alkalosis --- **Alkalosis** is when the [[acid-base balance|pH balance]] of one's blood is dangerously high, or in other words, dangrously basic. Among other things, alkalosis can cause the [[oxygen-hemoglobin saturation curve]] to shift right, making O2 bind more tightly to hemoglobin Alkalosis is either metabolic or respiratory in origin. ## Respiratory Alkalosis **Respiratory alkalosis** is caused by the lungs removing too much CO2 (which is an acid) from circulation too quickly. Since this is pretty much only ever caused by [[respiration rate|hyperventilation]], it typically resolves on its own. Signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis are: - tachycardia - numbness/tingling - light headedness Removing CO2 is one of the principal ways that the body maintains a [[acid-base balance|pH balance]], and can act faster than the metabolic route, so we don't often see it compensated. ## Metabolic Alkalosis **Metabolic alkalosis** can be caused by several conditions, by is generally something that cause too much [[bicarbonate]] (HCO3-) in the bloodstream. Normally bicarbonate is produced in the kidneys (I'm pretty sure), but too much is a bad thing. Another cause is an influx of too much basic substances, such as taking too many antacids (which contain bicarbonate) or a massive [[blood transfusion|transfusion]] of whole blood (for some reason). - acid loss - Bicarbonate is a byproduct of how those acids are replaced, raising the pH of the blood. - use of [[diuretics]] - H+ is excreted - excessive vomiting/gi suction - [[potassium|hypokalemia]] - H+ is moved into the cells from the bloodstream - excessive base - overuse of antacids - massive transfusion of whole blood - there's something in there that turns into bicarbonate Signs and symptoms of metabolic alkalosis are: - confusion - n/v/dihrea ___