Types of Acid-Base Imbalances

What is respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, leading to high PCO2, and lowers plasma pH.

What can cause respiratory acidosis?

Causes include emphysema, pulmonary edema, respiratory center injuries, and airway obstruction.

How do the kidneys compensate for respiratory acidosis?

The kidneys excrete H+ and reabsorb HCO3- to help normalize pH.

What is respiratory alkalosis?

Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, leading to low PCO2 and an increased plasma pH.

What can cause respiratory alkalosis?

Causes include altitude, pulmonary disease, and anxiety.

How do the kidneys compensate for respiratory alkalosis?

The kidneys reabsorb H+ and excrete HCO3- to help normalize pH.

What is metabolic acidosis?

Metabolic acidosis is caused by low HCO3- levels and results in a decreased pH.

What causes metabolic acidosis?

Causes include lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, renal dysfunction, and diarrhea.

How does the body compensate for metabolic acidosis?

The body compensates through hyperventilation, sodium bicarbonate, and kidney excretion of H+.

What is metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when HCO3- levels are elevated, raising plasma pH.

What causes metabolic alkalosis?

Causes include excessive vomiting or antacid use.

How does the body compensate for metabolic alkalosis?

The body compensates by hypoventilation, replenishing electrolytes, and kidney excretion of HCO3-.