Acid-base imbalance
Acid-base imbalance
Acid-base imbalance (pronounced as: a-sid-bays im-bal-ans) is a medical condition that occurs when the pH of the body is outside of the normal range (7.35-7.45). This can result in the body's acids and bases not being in balance, leading to various health problems.
Etymology
The term "acid-base imbalance" is derived from the words "acid", "base", and "imbalance". "Acid" comes from the Latin word acidus, meaning sour. "Base" comes from the Middle English word base, meaning low. "Imbalance" comes from the prefix im- (not) and balance, which is derived from the Old French balance, meaning equilibrium.
Types of Acid-base imbalance
There are four main types of acid-base imbalances:
- Respiratory acidosis: This occurs when there is too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body, often due to impaired lung function.
- Respiratory alkalosis: This occurs when there is too little CO2 in the body, often due to hyperventilation.
- Metabolic acidosis: This occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body, often due to kidney disease or diabetes.
- Metabolic alkalosis: This occurs when there is an excess of base in the body, often due to vomiting or the use of certain medications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acid-base imbalance can vary depending on the type and severity of the imbalance. They may include fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, and muscle twitching.
Treatment
Treatment for acid-base imbalance typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the imbalance. This may include medication, changes in diet, or in severe cases, hospitalization.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acid-base imbalance
- Wikipedia's article - Acid-base imbalance
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