Metabolic Medicine Made Simple :Respiratory Alkalosis

Respiratory Alkalosis is characterized by increased pH and a reduction in PaCO2.

Typical causes include :

Hyperventilation due to pneumonia
High altitude
Salicylate intoxication.




Usual human blood pH is maintained between 7.35 - 7.45
HCO3- is normally 24 meq/l
PaCO2 is usually 40 mmHg.

Metabolic acid base disorders are due to a primary chnge in concentration of HCO3-
Respiratory acid base disorders are due to a primary change in PCO2.

In pneomina,hypoxia causes Tachypnea that leads to hyperventilation which causes CO2 loss leading to alkalosis / Respiratory Alkalosis

Causes of Respiratory Acidosis :

Respiratory suppression
Narcotic overdose
Neurological diseases causing airway muscle diseases.
COPD