One of the varieties of acid-base balance is metabolic alkalosis. In this state, the blood has a pronounced alkaline reaction.
Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis
The main cause of alkalosis is loss of chlorine and hydrogen ions by the human body, increase in the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood. There are a number of factors that cause these changes:
- Treatment with diuretics (diuretics), intense vomiting or gastric lavage lead to a deficiency of fluid or chloride in the body.
- Adenomas of the rectum and large intestine.
- Cushing's syndrome (excessive production of hormones by the adrenal cortex), Barter's syndrome (decreased reabsorption of chloride), and primary aldosteronism in adrenal cortex tumors.
- Organic brain damage (tumors, physical trauma, etc.), causing hyperventilation of the lungs.
- Deficiency of potassium in the body as a result of unbalanced nutrition.
- Excessive intake of alkaline substances into the body.
Symptoms of Metabolic Alkalosis
For alkalosis, the following symptoms are typical:
- pale skin with a grayish hue;
- paresthesia of the face and limbs (sensitivity disorder);
- excitement, dizziness;
- decrease in vitality, memory and attention;
- tachycardia;
- convulsions due to hypocalcemia.
With an organic lesion of the central nervous system, epileptic seizures may occur.
In order to diagnose metabolic alkalosis, the gas composition of arterial blood and the content of bicarbonates in venous blood are determined, the levels of electrolytes (including magnesium and calcium) in the blood plasma are measured and the concentration of potassium and chlorine in the urine is measured.
Treatment of metabolic alkalosis
The main task in the treatment is the replenishment of water and electrolytes in the body. In the event that symptoms characteristic of alkalosis are observed, it is necessary to seek medical help, and with the development of seizures, indomitable vomiting and fainting, the patient should be called an ambulance.
Therapy of metabolic alkalosis depends on the cause that caused the violation of the acid-base balance. If the severity of alkalosis is significant, a dilute solution of ammonium chloride is injected intravenously. With convulsions, a calcium chloride injection is injected into the vein. If the cause of alkalosis is the excessive introduction of alkalis into the body, Diakarb is appointed.