This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Respiratory alkalosis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

This is characterised by reduced PaCO2, normal or slightly reduced serum bicarbonate, and a raised pH.

A respiratory alkalosis may be pure or it may be complicated by a metabolic derangement (i.e. a mixed alkalosis). Measurement of the serum bicarbonate permits definitive diagnosis:

  • acute respiratory alkalosis:
    • serum bicarbonate decreases by 2 mM for every 10 mmHg (or 1.33kPa) decrease in PaCO2

  • chronic respiratory alkalosis:
    • serum bicarbonate decreases 5 mM for every 10 mmHg decrease in PaCO2

  • if the serum bicarbonate is higher than expected then the condition is likely to be a mixed metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis

  • if the serum bicarbonate is lower than expected then the condition is likely to be a mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.