Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where your blood has too little carbon dioxide (CO2), causing your blood's pH to become too alkaline (high). This happens because you're breathing too fast or too deeply, a process called hyperventilation. The excessive breathing expels more CO2 than your body can produce, upsetting the delicate acid-base balance.
Understanding the Problem
Your body tightly regulates its pH, typically within a narrow range (7.35–7.45). CO2 is crucial in maintaining this balance because it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, influencing blood acidity. When CO2 levels drop due to hyperventilation, the blood becomes less acidic (more alkaline). This imbalance can disrupt various bodily functions.
Causes of Respiratory Alkalosis
Several factors can lead to hyperventilation and subsequently, respiratory alkalosis:
- Anxiety and panic attacks: Rapid, shallow breathing is a common symptom.
- High altitude: The thin air at high altitudes triggers faster breathing to compensate for lower oxygen levels.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions affecting the lungs or brain can cause hyperventilation. Examples include pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and salicylate toxicity (aspirin overdose).
- Mechanical ventilation: Improper settings on a ventilator can lead to excessive CO2 removal.
Symptoms of Respiratory Alkalosis
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the alkalosis:
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities (paresthesia)
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- In severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness
Treatment of Respiratory Alkalosis
Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause of hyperventilation and restoring the blood's normal pH.
- Addressing the underlying cause: This might involve treating anxiety, managing pain, or addressing a lung condition.
- Breathing exercises: Slowing and controlling breathing can help reduce hyperventilation in cases of anxiety.
- Medication: In severe cases, medications can be used to slow breathing and restore CO2 levels. Sometimes, rebreathing CO2 from a paper bag might be suggested (though this should only be done under medical supervision).
Key Takeaway
Respiratory alkalosis arises from excessive breathing, lowering blood CO2 and raising blood pH. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and restoring normal breathing patterns. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
