This occurs when the body produces an excessive amount of acid or loses an excessive quantity of bicarbonate, which is a base (alkali). It can also result from the ingestion of certain acidic substances or toxins that either produce acid or become acidic within the body, overwhelming its regulatory mechanisms.
This type of acidosis arises when lung or breathing disorders impair the body’s capacity to expel carbon dioxide, resulting in an excess of acid in the body.
Likewise, there are two main categories of alkalosis:
This condition may develop from either an excessive loss of acid from the body or an excessive buildup of bicarbonate. Causes include conditions or factors that promote the loss of acid or an overabundance of bicarbonate.
Respiratory alkalosis manifests when there is insufficient carbon dioxide in the blood due to rapid or excessive breathing. This can be a consequence of hyperventilation, characterized by abnormally fast breathing, or conditions that induce shortness of breath.
