Respiratory Alkalosis: Hypocapnia (deficiency of
carbon dioxide in the blood), which results from alveolar hyperventilation.
Uncomplicated respiratory alkalosis diminishes hydrogen ion concentration,
which causes elevated blood pH. Hypocapnia occurs when carbon dioxide
elimination by the lungs exceeds carbon dioxide production at the cellular
level. Pulmonary causes include pneumonia, interstitial lung disease,
pulmonary vascular disease, and acute asthma. Nonpulmonary causes
include anxiety, fever, aspirin toxicity, metabolic acidosis, CNS inflammation
or tumor, gram – negative septicemia, and hepatic failure.
Symptoms:
Deep rapid breathing (possibly 40 breaths a minute)
Light – headedness
Dizziness
Agitation
Twitching
Muscle weakness
In severe respiratory alkalosis – hyperpnea (abnormal increase in depth
and rate of respiration) and cardiac dysrhythmias (disturbance
of rhythm)
Treatment:
Treatment aims to eradicate the underlying condition — for example:
removal of ingested toxins,
treatment of fever or sepsis (toxin), and or treatment of CNS disease.
In severe respiratory alkalosis, breathing into a paper bag,
which helps relieve acute anxiety and increases carbon dioxide levels.