Alkalosis, when alkaline levels in the body are too high

Human blood has balanced levels of acids and alkalis. Under normal circumstances, the acidity of the blood generally ranges from a neutral pH with a range of 7.35 to 7.45. However, even a slight increase in the pH value can make the blood tend to be more alkaline. This will disturb the mineral balance of potassium in the body and blood calcium in the blood. The condition associated with an increase in alkaline levels is known as alkalosis.

What is alkalosis?

Alkalosis is a condition in which body fluids or blood have excess alkaline levels. This is the opposite of an increase in excess body acid, which is called acidosis. The occurrence of alkalosis can be triggered by the loss of hydrogen ions (H⁺), a reduction in acidic compounds such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), or an increase in serum bicarbonate (HCO₃^–) which is alkaline. These chemical changes in the body can occur due to the response of organs that maintain acid and alkaline balance such as the lungs and kidneys.

Types of alkalosis based on the cause

There are five types of alkalosis, including:

Respiratory alkalosis - occurs when too little carbon dioxide in the blood is caused by health conditions such as hyperventilation, experiencing fever, lack of oxygen, salicylate poisoning, being at high altitudes and experiencing lung and liver disease.

Metabolic alkalosis - triggered by the process of removing too much acid, followed by an increase in alkaline levels. This can occur when a person vomits too much, takes diuretic drugs, experiences adrenal gland disorders, uses antacid drugs, consumes excess alkalis such as bicarbonates from baking soda, as well as side effects from alcohol consumption and excess laxatives.

Hypochloremic alkalosis - occurs when the body loses fluids from vomiting or sweating too much. This condition also affects the balance of fluids in the digestive system.

Hypokalemic alkalosis - caused by a deficiency of the mineral potassium in the body. This can be caused by diet, kidney disease, and excess fluid secretion from sweating and diarrhea. This condition can also have an impact on the health of the heart, muscles, digestive system and nervous system.

Signs and symptoms if the body has alkalosis

Symptoms may vary. In the short term, alkaline levels that are too high can cause symptoms such as nausea, muscle cramps and pain, hand tremors, and numbness in certain body parts such as around the face, hands and feet.

If left untreated or allowed to get worse, it can cause dizziness, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), difficulty breathing, feeling confused, difficulty processing information (stupor), even commas.

Alkalosis can also be recognized by checking the pH level of urine and blood. Urine pH testing can be done by urine analysis, while blood pH testing can be done by arterial blood gas analysis. If the pH of the blood exceeds the value of 7.45, it can be categorized as alkalosis.

How to treat alkalosis?

Most of the symptoms of alkalosis will improve immediately after receiving treatment depending on the cause. Respiratory alkalosis can be overcome by improving the body's oxygen levels by breathing or using a breathing apparatus. If alkalosis occurs due to potassium deficiency, then the use of drugs or supplements can overcome it.

Adequate water intake can also overcome alkalosis, especially by consuming isotonic drinks that contain electrolytes. However, if the electrolyte imbalance is severe due to dehydration or vomiting too much, then hospital admission is necessary.

How can you prevent alkalosis?

Most types of alkalosis can be prevented by adopting a diet with adequate potassium and preventing dehydration. A rich intake of potassium is needed to prevent electrolyte deficiency, this type of nutrient can be found in fruit and vegetable food sources such as carrots, milk, bananas, nuts and green vegetables.

In addition, prevent alkalosis by obtaining adequate amounts of fluids. Dehydration conditions can be prevented by applying the following: