Your body needs to maintain a pH level between 7.35 to 7.45 in order remain properly balanced, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library says. Acidosis occurs when your pH level drops below 7.35. This condition causes the fluids in your body to be excessively acidic. Alkalosis can be defined by a pH level over 7.45. The fluids in your body become more alkaline or basic when you have alkalosis. Both conditions can cause complications if left untreated.
Types of Acidosis and Alkalosis
Acidosis and alkalosis can be classified as being metabolic or respiratiory, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are defined by the loss or retention of plasma bicarbonate, or HCO3. HCO3 is the alkali your body uses to help balance your pH level. Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis can be defined by having too much or too little carbon dioxide in your blood. These conditions are called hypercapnia and hypocapnia respectively.
Causes
Respiratory acidosis can be caused by injuries or deformities to the chest area, the New York Times Health Guide notes. Respiratory acidosis can also be caused by over-using sedative medications. These impair your ability to properly remove carbon dioxide from your body. Metabolic acidosis can occur when your kidneys are unable to remove the acid from your body. These can be caused by diabetes, alcohol abuse, cancer, excessive exercise and severe diarrhea. Respiratory alkalosis can occur when fever, high altitude or lung disease cause the carbon dioxide levels in your blood to become low, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Metabolic alkalosis can occur as a result of excessive vomiting or potassium loss. Taking diuretic medications can cause your potassium levels to drop.
Testing and Treatment
Acidosis and alkalosis can be diagnosed by performing an arterial or venous blood gas analysis test, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library notes. Another way to test for acidosis is to perform a serum electrolyte test. You can also determine acidosis and alkalosis by testing the pH level of your urine, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes. Treating alkalosis caused by hyperventilation can be as simple as breathing into a paper bag. Medications may be required to correct the loss of chloride and potassium. Acidosis can be treated via medications.
Complications
Acidosis and alkalosis can cause damage to your cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems if left untreated, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library notes. Acidosis can impair cardiac contractility and decrease the output of your heart. Acidosis may cause hyperkalemia. Alkalosis can reduce arteriolar constriction and cause hypokalemia. Alkalosis can cause delirium and seizures in extreme cases. Both conditions can also cause problems with your metabolism.
