Respiratory alkalosis
Alkalosis - respiratoryRespiratory alkalosis is a condition marked by a low level of carbon dioxide in the blood due to breathing excessively.
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Causes
Common causes include:
- Anxiety or panic
- Fever
- Overbreathing (hyperventilation)
- Pregnancy (this is normal)
- Pain
- Tumor
- Trauma
- Severe anemia
- Liver disease
- Central nervous system (brain) abnormalities
- Overdose of certain medicines, such as salicylates, progesterone
Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath can also cause respiratory alkalosis (such as pulmonary embolism and asthma).
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Symptoms
The symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Numbness of the hands and feet
- Breathlessness
- Confusion
- Chest discomfort
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:
- Arterial blood gas, which measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood
- Basic metabolic panel
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest
- Pulmonary function tests to measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning
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Treatment
Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag -- or using a mask that causes you to re-breathe carbon dioxide -- sometimes helps reduce symptoms when anxiety is the main cause of the condition.
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Outlook depends on the condition that is causing the respiratory alkalosis.
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Possible Complications
Seizures may occur if the alkalosis is extremely severe. This is very rare and more likely to happen if the alkalosis is due to increased ventilation from a breathing machine.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have any symptoms of lung disease, such as long-term (chronic) cough or shortness of breath.
References
McCoin NS, Self WH. Acid-base disorders. In: Walls RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 113.
Sanghavi S, Albert TJ. Acid-base balance. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 12.
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 110.