Respiratory alkalosis

Question 1

What is resp alkalosis ?

Answer 1

• blood ph> 7,42 due to respiratory system failure

In resp alkalosis -> min ventilation is higher than needed.
Increased firing rate can be normal or abnormal

Question 2

State the different normal conditions resulting in respiratory alkalosis

Answer 2

• normal responses:

hypoxia, due to pneumonia / pulmonary embolism / climbing high mountains -> causes low O2

Question 3

State the different abnormal conditions resulting in respiratory alkalosis

Answer 3

• abnormal responses
  . Anxiety/ panic attacks. Sepsis. Overdose with salicylates.

Could also be due to iatrogenic causes: result of medical intervention, like ventilatory with incorrect settings

Question 4

Compensatory mechanisms of resp alkalosis

Answer 4

• acidic cells giving H+: ex hemoglobin, but has limited help
• kidney system: increased excretion of HCO3- from prox tubules