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Concept

Alkalosis

A serene landscape with a full moon rising over a misty horizon, reflecting in calm waters below, symbolizing the concept of alkalosis.

The mirror image of acidosis: arterial pH above 7.45. Most commonly caused by hyperventilation, which strips carbon dioxide from the blood faster than metabolism replaces it, or by vomiting, which loses gastric acid. Patients tingle in the fingers and around the mouth as free calcium drops, and may seize. The classic field treatment — breathing into a paper bag — restores CO₂ by rebreathing it.

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