Metabolic alkalosis

What is metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic alkalosis is an abnormal increase in the pH of the tissues in the body. Among these, the blood and - consequently - the urine are particularly involved.

Note: when specifically referring to blood, the excessive increase in pH is better defined as alkalemia (blood pH> 7.40).
Metabolic alkalosis is an acid-base disorder frequently encountered in hospitalized patients, especially those in critical conditions, and is often complicated by mixed acid-base disorders (we will understand better what it is later on).

This disorder can have serious clinical consequences, particularly on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The severity level is partly determined by the effectiveness / efficiency of the organism's compensation system.
At the base of the "metabolic alkalosis c" is a complex hydro-saline disturbance, on which the onset of the acid-base disturbance depends.

Metabolic alkalosis can have different etiological causes, which feed each other and aggravate the condition. Since the resolution of the acid-base disorder depends on the correction of these factors, it is essential to know the specific mechanisms to take the most appropriate therapeutic action.

Symptoms