Acid-Base Disorders in Physiology

A condition characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body. This typically occurs due to impaired lung function, leading to difficulty expelling CO2.

A condition characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate. This can be caused by various factors, including kidney dysfunction, diabetic ketoacidosis, or excessive alcohol intake.

A condition characterized by an increase in blood pH due to a decrease in the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). This can occur due to excessive loss of acid from the body, such as through vomiting, or an increase in bicarbonate levels.

A type of alkalosis that is caused by a loss of sodium chloride (NaCl) and extracellular fluid volume. This can be caused by conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, or diuretic use.

A type of alkalosis that is not responsive to saline infusions and is typically caused by excessive mineralocorticoid production, leading to increased sodium retention and potassium loss.

The body's ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment, including pH balance. This involves various mechanisms to regulate acid and base levels in the blood.

A condition characterized by increased neuromuscular excitability, often manifesting as hyperreflexia and convulsions. This occurs when the pH of the blood becomes too alkaline.

The state where the body attempts to compensate for a primary acid-base disturbance. This can involve changes in breathing rate or renal excretion of acid or base.

Ingestion of high amounts of acids like aspirin can cause this type of metabolic acidosis.

Conditions like hypoxia, diabetes, and liver dysfunction can lead to increased production of lactic acid and ketoacids, resulting in metabolic acidosis.

When the kidneys are unable to remove excess acids and regenerate bicarbonate, it leads to metabolic acidosis.

Loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea, fistulas, or bowel surgeries can cause metabolic acidosis.

A specific type of metabolic acidosis caused by impaired renal bicarbonate reclamation or generation.

Conditions that impair ventilation, like lung diseases, CNS depression, or chest injuries, can lead to respiratory acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis with an increased gap between the sum of measured cations (sodium and potassium) and anions (chloride and bicarbonate), indicating an abundance of unmeasured anions.

Metabolic acidosis where the gap between cations and anions is normal, suggesting a loss of bicarbonate or an increase in chloride.

The process of the body eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) through increased breathing rate and depth to compensate for acidosis.

Buffers minimize variations in H+ concentration in body fluids.

Maintains stable pH by regulating the bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration in body fluids.

The primary volatile acid produced by the body, formed from the hydration of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Nonvolatile acids generated by the breakdown of proteins and the incomplete metabolism of fatty acids, contributing to metabolic acidosis.

A condition where there is an excess of bicarbonate in the blood, leading to an increase in pH.

Loss of gastric fluid through vomiting or suctioning, reducing the amount of acid in the body.

Certain medications that increase urine output can lead to metabolic alkalosis by removing too much sodium and causing more hydrogen ions to be excreted.

Overproduction of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water balance, can lead to an increase in bicarbonate in the blood.

Taking medications or supplements that contain bicarbonate can lead to metabolic alkalosis.

A condition where the lungs exhale too much carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in blood acidity (pH).

Medical conditions that affect breathing, such as pneumonia, trigger the body to breathe quickly and deeply.

Anxiety or panic attacks can cause rapid breathing, leading to too much carbon dioxide being exhaled.

The difference between the concentrations of unmeasured anions and unmeasured cations in blood.

A disturbance in acid-base balance where blood pH is lower than 7.4, indicated by increased hydrogen ion concentration.

A condition where two or more underlying causes contribute to an acid-base disturbance.