Health Encyclopedia

Respiratory alkalosis

Definition

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition marked by low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to breathing excessively.

Alternative Names

Alkalosis - respiratory

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Common causes include:

Anxiety
Fever
Hyperventilation

Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath can also cause respiratory alkalosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms may include:

Dizziness
Light-headedness
Numbness of the hands and feet

Signs and tests

Arterial blood gas (measures levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood; in respiratory alkalosis, the level of carbon dioxide is too low)
Chest x-ray
Pulmonary function test

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag -- or using a mask that causes you to re-breathe carbon dioxide -- sometimes helps reduce symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

What will happen depends on the condition that is causing the respiratory alkalosis.

Complications

Seizures may occur if the alkalosis is extremely severe. This is very rare.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of lung disease, such as chronic cough or shortness of breath.

References

Seifter JL. Acid base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 119.

Review Date:8/8/2009
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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