Metabolic alkalosis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Metabolic alkalosis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Confusion, muscle twitching, nausea, vomiting, hand tremor
Complications	Seizures, arrhythmias, coma
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Vomiting, diuretic use, hypokalemia, antacid overuse
Risks	Chronic kidney disease, heart failure, liver cirrhosis
Diagnosis	Arterial blood gas analysis, serum electrolyte levels
Differential diagnosis	Respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis
Prevention	Address underlying causes, monitor electrolyte levels
Treatment	Intravenous fluids, potassium supplementation, treat underlying cause
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Symptoms of Acidosis Alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the pH of the blood is elevated beyond the normal range. This can be due to a decrease in the concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood or an increase in the concentration of bicarbonate ions.

Causes

Metabolic alkalosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Excessive loss of acid from the body, such as through vomiting or diarrhea
• Consumption of certain medications, such as diuretics or antacids
• Certain medical conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome or Bartter syndrome
• Overuse of bicarbonate-containing substances, such as baking soda

Symptoms

The symptoms of metabolic alkalosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle twitching and hand tremor
• Light-headedness
• Confusion

Diagnosis

Metabolic alkalosis is typically diagnosed through a blood test that measures the pH and bicarbonate levels in the blood. Other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment

The treatment for metabolic alkalosis depends on the underlying cause. This may involve:

• Stopping the use of certain medications
• Treating the underlying medical condition
• Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes

See also

• Acidosis
• Metabolic acidosis
• Respiratory alkalosis
• Respiratory acidosis