Respiratory Alkalosis
CO2 + H2O H2CO3 H+ + HCO3– |
In respiratory alkalosis there is low pCO2 and a consequent high pH as a result of the equation moving to the left and lowering H+. pCO2 has been lowered by either hyperventilation or drug-induced stimulation of breathing. [2,3]
Respiratory alkalosis is often associated with processes that cause hyperventilation differentials can be remembered with CHAMPS. [8]
CHAMPS [8]
- CNS disease (stroke, haemorrhage, psychogenic)
- Hypoxia (pneumonia, PE, asthma, altitude)
- Anxiety, pain
- Mechanical or excessive ventilation
- Progesterone, pregnancy
- Salicylates and sepsis