Acid–base disorder: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Davenport_fig_10.jpg| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Acid–base disorder | |||
| image = [[File:Davenport_fig_10.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Davenport diagram illustrating acid–base balance | |||
| field = [[Nephrology]], [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Confusion]], [[fatigue]], [[shortness of breath]], [[headache]], [[nausea]] | |||
| complications = [[Coma]], [[seizures]], [[cardiac arrest]] | |||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Varies depending on cause | |||
| types = [[Metabolic acidosis]], [[Metabolic alkalosis]], [[Respiratory acidosis]], [[Respiratory alkalosis]] | |||
| causes = [[Kidney disease]], [[lung disease]], [[diabetes]], [[ingestion of toxins]] | |||
| risks = [[Chronic kidney disease]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[diabetes mellitus]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Arterial blood gas]], [[serum electrolytes]] | |||
| differential = [[Electrolyte imbalance]], [[dehydration]], [[sepsis]] | |||
| prevention = Management of underlying conditions, avoiding toxins | |||
| treatment = [[Intravenous fluids]], [[bicarbonate therapy]], [[ventilation support]] | |||
| medication = [[Sodium bicarbonate]], [[diuretics]], [[bronchodilators]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying cause and treatment | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
An '''acid–base disorder''' is a pathologic condition that leads to an imbalance in the [[pH]] levels of the blood and other bodily fluids. The human body maintains a delicate balance of acids and bases, primarily through the [[bicarbonate buffer system]], the [[respiratory system]], and the [[renal system]]. Disruptions in this balance can lead to significant health issues. | An '''acid–base disorder''' is a pathologic condition that leads to an imbalance in the [[pH]] levels of the blood and other bodily fluids. The human body maintains a delicate balance of acids and bases, primarily through the [[bicarbonate buffer system]], the [[respiratory system]], and the [[renal system]]. Disruptions in this balance can lead to significant health issues. | ||
==Types of Acid–Base Disorders== | ==Types of Acid–Base Disorders== | ||
Acid–base disorders are generally classified into four main types: | Acid–base disorders are generally classified into four main types: | ||
* '''[[Metabolic acidosis]]''': Characterized by a decrease in [[bicarbonate]] (HCO₃⁻) and a decrease in pH. Common causes include [[diabetic ketoacidosis]], [[lactic acidosis]], and renal failure. | |||
* '''[[Metabolic acidosis]]''': Characterized by a decrease in [[bicarbonate]] ( | |||
* '''[[Metabolic alkalosis]]''': Characterized by an increase in bicarbonate and an increase in pH. Common causes include prolonged vomiting, diuretic use, and hyperaldosteronism. | * '''[[Metabolic alkalosis]]''': Characterized by an increase in bicarbonate and an increase in pH. Common causes include prolonged vomiting, diuretic use, and hyperaldosteronism. | ||
* '''[[Respiratory acidosis]]''': Characterized by an increase in [[carbon dioxide]] ( | * '''[[Respiratory acidosis]]''': Characterized by an increase in [[carbon dioxide]] (CO‚ÇÇ) and a decrease in pH. Common causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ([[COPD]]), respiratory depression, and airway obstruction. | ||
* '''[[Respiratory alkalosis]]''': Characterized by a decrease in carbon dioxide and an increase in pH. Common causes include hyperventilation, anxiety, and high altitude. | * '''[[Respiratory alkalosis]]''': Characterized by a decrease in carbon dioxide and an increase in pH. Common causes include hyperventilation, anxiety, and high altitude. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The body regulates acid–base balance through three main mechanisms: | The body regulates acid–base balance through three main mechanisms: | ||
* '''[[Buffer systems]]''': The bicarbonate buffer system is the primary buffer system in the blood. It helps to neutralize excess acids or bases. | * '''[[Buffer systems]]''': The bicarbonate buffer system is the primary buffer system in the blood. It helps to neutralize excess acids or bases. | ||
* '''[[Respiratory compensation]]''': The respiratory system can adjust the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood by changing the rate and depth of breathing. | * '''[[Respiratory compensation]]''': The respiratory system can adjust the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood by changing the rate and depth of breathing. | ||
* '''[[Renal compensation]]''': The kidneys help to maintain acid–base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine. | * '''[[Renal compensation]]''': The kidneys help to maintain acid–base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of acid–base disorders typically involves: | Diagnosis of acid–base disorders typically involves: | ||
* [[Arterial blood gas]] (ABG) analysis: Measures the pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO‚ÇÇ), and bicarbonate levels in the blood. | |||
* [[Arterial blood gas]] (ABG) analysis: Measures the pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide ( | |||
* [[Serum electrolytes]]: Measures levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood. | * [[Serum electrolytes]]: Measures levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood. | ||
* [[Anion gap]]: Helps to differentiate between different types of metabolic acidosis. | * [[Anion gap]]: Helps to differentiate between different types of metabolic acidosis. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of acid–base disorders depends on the underlying cause: | Treatment of acid–base disorders depends on the underlying cause: | ||
* '''Metabolic acidosis''': Treatment may include administration of bicarbonate, treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., insulin for diabetic ketoacidosis), and dialysis in severe cases. | * '''Metabolic acidosis''': Treatment may include administration of bicarbonate, treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., insulin for diabetic ketoacidosis), and dialysis in severe cases. | ||
* '''Metabolic alkalosis''': Treatment may include administration of chloride, potassium supplements, and addressing the underlying cause. | * '''Metabolic alkalosis''': Treatment may include administration of chloride, potassium supplements, and addressing the underlying cause. | ||
* '''Respiratory acidosis''': Treatment may include improving ventilation, treating underlying lung disease, and in some cases, mechanical ventilation. | * '''Respiratory acidosis''': Treatment may include improving ventilation, treating underlying lung disease, and in some cases, mechanical ventilation. | ||
* '''Respiratory alkalosis''': Treatment may include rebreathing into a paper bag, addressing anxiety, and treating underlying conditions. | * '''Respiratory alkalosis''': Treatment may include rebreathing into a paper bag, addressing anxiety, and treating underlying conditions. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Acidosis]] | * [[Acidosis]] | ||
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* [[Arterial blood gas]] | * [[Arterial blood gas]] | ||
* [[Electrolyte imbalance]] | * [[Electrolyte imbalance]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
[[Category:Acid–base disturbances]] | [[Category:Acid–base disturbances]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Pathophysiology]] | [[Category:Pathophysiology]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:21, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Acid–base disorder | |
|---|---|
| File:Davenport fig 10.jpg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, nausea |
| Complications | Coma, seizures, cardiac arrest |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Varies depending on cause |
| Types | Metabolic acidosis, Metabolic alkalosis, Respiratory acidosis, Respiratory alkalosis |
| Causes | Kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes, ingestion of toxins |
| Risks | Chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus |
| Diagnosis | Arterial blood gas, serum electrolytes |
| Differential diagnosis | Electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, sepsis |
| Prevention | Management of underlying conditions, avoiding toxins |
| Treatment | Intravenous fluids, bicarbonate therapy, ventilation support |
| Medication | Sodium bicarbonate, diuretics, bronchodilators |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause and treatment |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
An acid–base disorder is a pathologic condition that leads to an imbalance in the pH levels of the blood and other bodily fluids. The human body maintains a delicate balance of acids and bases, primarily through the bicarbonate buffer system, the respiratory system, and the renal system. Disruptions in this balance can lead to significant health issues.
Types of Acid–Base Disorders[edit]
Acid–base disorders are generally classified into four main types:
- Metabolic acidosis: Characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and a decrease in pH. Common causes include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and renal failure.
- Metabolic alkalosis: Characterized by an increase in bicarbonate and an increase in pH. Common causes include prolonged vomiting, diuretic use, and hyperaldosteronism.
- Respiratory acidosis: Characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide (CO‚ÇÇ) and a decrease in pH. Common causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory depression, and airway obstruction.
- Respiratory alkalosis: Characterized by a decrease in carbon dioxide and an increase in pH. Common causes include hyperventilation, anxiety, and high altitude.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The body regulates acid–base balance through three main mechanisms:
- Buffer systems: The bicarbonate buffer system is the primary buffer system in the blood. It helps to neutralize excess acids or bases.
- Respiratory compensation: The respiratory system can adjust the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood by changing the rate and depth of breathing.
- Renal compensation: The kidneys help to maintain acid–base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of acid–base disorders typically involves:
- Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis: Measures the pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO‚ÇÇ), and bicarbonate levels in the blood.
- Serum electrolytes: Measures levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood.
- Anion gap: Helps to differentiate between different types of metabolic acidosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of acid–base disorders depends on the underlying cause:
- Metabolic acidosis: Treatment may include administration of bicarbonate, treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., insulin for diabetic ketoacidosis), and dialysis in severe cases.
- Metabolic alkalosis: Treatment may include administration of chloride, potassium supplements, and addressing the underlying cause.
- Respiratory acidosis: Treatment may include improving ventilation, treating underlying lung disease, and in some cases, mechanical ventilation.
- Respiratory alkalosis: Treatment may include rebreathing into a paper bag, addressing anxiety, and treating underlying conditions.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
