In this article, we will discuss Common Causes and Clinical Features of Respiratory Alkalosis. So, let’s get started.
Causes
- Hypoxia due to acute attack of bronchial asthma, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, and acute circulatory failure. Chronic hypoxia occur in cyanotic heart disease, high altitude, and pulmonary fibrosis
- CNS disorders (e.g. CVA, brain tumor, encephalitis)
- Pregnancy
- Gram-negative septicemia or endotoxemia
- Hepatic failure
- Drugs, e.g. salicylate and xanthine poisoning
- Anxiety induced hyperventilation
- Pain
- Excessive mechanical ventilation
Clinical Features
They are due to hyperventilation and hypoxemia. Paraesthesias, circumoral numbness, chest wall tightness or pain, light-headedness, dizziness, inability to take an adequate breath and rarely tetany or convulsions may occur. In digitalised patients, cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest may occur.