The blood requires a balance between alkaline as well as acid components to function appropriately. Such a balance is referred as acid-base balance. The lungs, as well as kidneys, function to maintain such balance. Whatever variation causes acid-base imbalance. High levels of acid are referred as acidosis, and high alkaline is referred as alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis, as well as alkalosis, results from kidneys problem. Respiratory alkalosis and acidosis occur because of lungs' problem (Schrier 162). The levels or concentrations of acid or alkaline are determined on a scale of pH. Acidity makes pH levels fall, and alkaline condition makes levels of pH increase. The paper compares as well as contrasts the four types of acid-base imbalances, which can take place in the human body.
The lungs help in removing excess carbon (IV) oxide from the human body whenever one breaths. Any problem impeding removal of excess carbon (IV) oxide makes the body fluids acidic. Some of the causes of respiratory acidosis include chest injuries or deformities. Additionally, chronic illnesses of the airways can lead to respiratory acidosis (Schrier 133). Respiratory acidosis can also be caused by sedatives overuse as well as obesity that causes incomplete inflation of the lungs. Some of the risks of acidosis include shock, organ failure, as well as respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis entail confusion, fatigue, as well as breath shortness. Respiratory acidosis needs instant medical attention because it is a serious condition. Diagnosis of respiratory acidosis may include a physical examination. Diagnostic testing can entail metabolic panel, chest X-ray, arterial blood gas check, as well as a pulmonary function check.
Respiratory Alkalosis
The condition occurs when the blood experiences low concentration of carbon (IV) oxide. Low concentration of carbon (IV) oxide can be due to many reasons such as fever, liver illness, salicylate poisoning, high altitude, lungs illness, as well as inadequate oxygen (Schrier 133). Some of the risks of respiratory alkalosis include coma or arrhythmias. Symptoms of respiratory alkalosis entail nausea, tingling, vomiting, confusion, numbness, hand tremor, as well as muscle spasms. A physical examination as well as diagnostic testing that entail blood gas analysis, urine pH, metabolic panel, and urinalysis can diagnose respiratory alkalosis.
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is an acid-base imbalance takes place when the body can produce excess acid. Besides, it can occur when the kidneys cannot remove excess acid. Metabolic acidosis can be grouped into diabetic acidosis and hyperchloremic acidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic acidosis results from ketone buildup in the body. The body can lose excess sodium bicarbonate resulting from diarrhoea, hence, causing hyperchloremic acidosis. Some of the risks of metabolic acidosis include shock. Symptoms of the condition include confusion, rapid breathing, as well as fatigue (Marini and Arthur 233). Diagnoses of metabolic acidosis include urine pH, arterial blood gases, as well as serum electrolytes. Provided the condition is confirmed, other medical checks may be required to find out the cause.
Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis results from high bicarbonate in the blood. It may occur due to prolonged vomiting. Chloride can also be lost due to excess vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis can also result from diuretic medicines causing excess loss of potassium. The risks of metabolic alkalosis include coma or arrhythmias in serious cases (Marini and Arthur 233). Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis include vomiting, confusion, hand tremor, vomiting, numbness, muscle spasms, as well as muscle twitching.
Works Cited
Marini, John J, and Arthur P. Wheeler. Critical Care Medicine: The Essentials. Philadelphia: Wollters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010. Print.
Schrier, Robert W. Renal and Electrolyte Disorders. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010. Print.
