Alkalosis

Alkalosis is understood as an acid base disturbance with an initial increase in blood pH.

Pathogenesis

Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation. In contrary, overproduction of bicarbonate results in metabolic alkalosis.

Classification

Besides the pathogenetic classification: metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. Alkalosis may be further characterized by the degree of compensation: fully, partially, and non-compensated alkalosis.

Diseases

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess
	Alkalosis in AME patients is the result of excessive stimulation of the mineralocorticoid receptor.
Bartter syndrome
	In Bartter syndrome, metabolic alkalosis is found with hypokalemia and hypochloremia.
Gitelman syndrome
	A metabolic alkalosis is rather secondary to potassium depletion.