What is the common cause of metabolic alkalosis?

The most common causes of metabolic alkalosis are the use of diuretics and the external loss of gastric secretions.

What does metabolic alkalosis mean?

Metabolic alkalosis is defined as a disease state where the body’s pH is elevated to greater than 7.45 secondary to some metabolic process.

Why does low chloride cause metabolic alkalosis?

In the posthypercapnic state, urine chloride is high and can lead to chloride depletion. Once the respiratory acidosis is corrected, the kidneys cannot excrete the excess bicarbonate because of the low luminal chloride. Infants with cystic fibrosis may develop metabolic alkalosis because of loss of chloride in sweat.

What is the treatment of metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic alkalosis is corrected with the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone or with other potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride, triamterene). If the cause of primary hyperaldosteronism is an adrenal adenoma or carcinoma, surgical removal of the tumor should correct the alkalosis.

What is metabolic alkalosis symptoms?

Lightheadedness. Muscle twitching. Nausea, vomiting. Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, or feet. Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)

What happens when your body is too alkaline?

Even a slight imbalance of your blood pH can make you sick, irritable, and uncomfortable. Some of the common symptoms for metabolic and respiratory alkalosis are: General confusion. Tremors.

What is treatment for metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic alkalosis is usually treated by replacing water and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) while treating the cause. Rarely, when metabolic alkalosis is very severe, dilute acid is given intravenously. In respiratory alkalosis, the first step is to ensure that the person has enough oxygen.

Is alkalosis life threatening?

In general, alkalosis is less life-threatening than acidosis, but severe electrolyte derangements can accompany alkalosis due to transcellular shifts, potentially resulting in rare but severe clinical disorders.