metabolic alkalosis
Noun: A specific physiological condition characterized by an abnormally high pH (alkalinity) of the blood plasma, caused by a primary metabolic disturbance. This disturbance typically involves either a loss of hydrogen ions (acid) from the body or an excessive gain of bicarbonate (an alkaline substance).
This is a technical medical term used to describe a clinical state. It is used by healthcare professionals when discussing patient diagnoses, laboratory results, and treatment plans. * The patient's lab results indicated metabolic alkalosis, likely due to prolonged vomiting. * Metabolic alkalosis can be a complication of certain diuretic medications. * The primary goal of treatment is to correct the underlying cause of the metabolic alkalosis.
- Compensated vs. Uncompensated: In a compensated metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory system attempts to correct the pH by retaining carbon dioxide (hypoventilation). An uncompensated metabolic alkalosis means this respiratory compensation is insufficient or absent.
- Chloride-Responsive vs. Chloride-Resistant: A key clinical classification. Chloride-responsive metabolic alkalosis improves with the administration of chloride (usually as saline). Chloride-resistant metabolic alkalosis does not and is often related to hormonal disorders like hyperaldosteronism.
- Alkalosis (n): The broader category of acid-base disorders where the blood pH is elevated. Metabolic alkalosis is a subtype.
- Metabolic acidosis (n): The opposite condition, where a metabolic disturbance causes low blood pH (acidity).
- Non-chloride-responsive alkalosis (for a specific subtype)
- Hypochloremic alkalosis (for a specific subtype involving low chloride)
Note: True synonyms are rare for precise medical diagnoses. The terms above refer to specific subtypes or historical names for the condition.
- Contraction alkalosis: A subtype of metabolic alkalosis that occurs when extracellular fluid volume is reduced (contracted), increasing the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood.
- To correct metabolic alkalosis: The standard phrase for treating the condition.
- To develop metabolic alkalosis: The standard phrase for acquiring the condition.
-
alkalosis resulting from hydrogen-ion loss or excessive intake of alkaline substances
