Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood becomes alkaline due to rapid breathing and in causing carbon dioxide levels in the blood becomes low.
CAUSE
Rapid breathing and the so-called hyperventilation, which causes too much amount of carbon dioxide removed from the bloodstream. The cause of hyperventilation is the most common anxiety.
Other causes of respiratory alkalosis are:
- Pain
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Low blood oxygen levels
- fever
- An overdose of aspirin.
SYMPTOMS
Respiratory alkalosis can make people feel anxious and can cause intense itching around the lips and face. If the condition gets worse, possible muscle spasms and loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the results of measurements of carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood. Blood pH is also often increased.
TREATMENT
Usually the only treatment required is to slow breathing. If the cause is anxiety, slow breathing can relieve this disease. If the cause is pain, pain medication is given. Exhaled breath in a paper bag (not plastic bags) can help increase levels of carbon dioxide after the person to take back the carbon dioxide exhaled.
Another option is to teach the patient to hold his breath as long as possible, then breathe shallow and holding back his breath as long as possible. This is done repeatedly in a series as much as 6-10 times. If carbon dioxide levels rise, the symptoms of hyperventilation would improve, thereby reducing patient anxiety and stop attacks respiratory alkalosis.
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