ALKALOSIS

metabolic alkalosis:

ingestion of alkali [usually + renal disease]

severe hypokalaemia, eg. in Conn's, Cushing's and Bartter's syndromes

prolonged use of potent diuretics

following hypercapnoeic alkalosis

loss of acid:

severe vomiting, eg. pyloric stenosis

gastric drainage

respiratory alkalosis:

exercise / pregnancy

hysterical over breathing

over ventilation (during assisted ventilation)

septicaemia

acute hypoxia:

pneumonia

pulmonary oedema

pulmonary embolism

pneumothorax

asthma

chronic hypoxia:

cyanotic heart disease

lung fibrosis

high altitude

liver failure

respiratory centre stimulation:

meningitis / encephalitis

intracranial haemorrhage

raised intracranial pressure from any other cause

salicylate poisoning [+ metabolic acidosis]

respiratory stimulants (doxapram, nikethamide)

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