Respiratory alkalosisDefinition: Respiratory alkalosis is a�condition marked by low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. See also: Alkalosis
Alternative Names: Alkalosis - respiratory
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Common causes include hyperventilation, anxiety, and fever. Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath may also�result in respiratory alkalosis.
Symptoms: The symptoms may include light-headedness, dizziness, and numbness of the hands and feet.
Signs and tests: - Arterial blood gas
- Chest x-ray or pulmonary function test
Treatment: Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Life-threatening respiratory alkalosis is very rare.�Breathing into a paper bag -- or use of a mask that causes re-breathing of carbon dioxide -- helps reduce symptoms in some cases.
Expectations (prognosis): The prognosis is based on the condition that causes the respiratory alkalosis.
Complications: Seizures may occur if the alkalosis is extremely severe. This is very rare.
Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of lung disease such as chronic cough or shortness of breath.
References: Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000: 192-193. Marx J. Rosen�s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1717-1718.
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