Respiratory Alkalosis

• high pH (fewer hydrogen ions in plasma)

• too much CO₂ being removed causes increased breakdown of bicarbonate to CO₂ and water

Causes

• Psychogenic hyperventilation

  • fear

  • anxiety

  • pain

• Iatrogenic hyperventilation (turned mechanical ventilator up too high)

• Hypoxia

  • chronic cardiac failure

  • congenital heart disease

• Salicylates

• Subarachnoid haemorrhage

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