Health Encyclopedia

Respiratory alkalosis

Definition

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition marked by low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to breathing excessively.

Alternative Names

Alkalosis - respiratory

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Common causes include:

Anxiety
Fever
Hyperventilation

Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath can also result in respiratory alkalosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms may include:

Dizziness
Light-headedness
Numbness of the hands and feet

Signs and tests

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag -- or using a mask that causes you to re-breathe carbon dioxide -- sometimes helps reduce symptoms.

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, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, Adams JF, et al. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.

Review Date:11/12/2007
Reviewed By:Andrew Schriber, M.D., F.C.C.P., Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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