MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Respiratory alkalosis

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Respiratory alkalosis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests	Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional References

Illustrations

Respiratory system

Alternative Names Return to top

Alkalosis - respiratory

Definition Return to top

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

See also: Alkalosis

Causes Return to top

Common causes include:

Anxiety
Fever
Hyperventilation

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

Symptoms Return to top

The symptoms may include:

Dizziness
Light-headedness
Numbness of the hands and feet

Exams and Tests Return to top

Treatment Return to top

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.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

The prognosis is based on the condition that causes the respiratory alkalosis.

Possible Complications Return to top

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

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

References Return to top

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000:192-193.

Marx J, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, Adams JF, et al. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.

Update Date: 11/12/2007

Updated by: Andrew Schriber, M.D., F.C.C.P., Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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