Alkalosis is less common than acidosis, and produces overexcitability of the nervous system.
The peripheral nerves are affected first. The symp-toms may be manifested as a highly nervous condition, including hyperventilation and even seizures. Alkalosis may cause calcium to build up in the body, as in bone or heel spurs. Any sub-stance with a pH above 7.0 is alkaline, while anything with a pH below 7.0 is acid. Alkalosis is often the result of excessive intake of alkaline drugs, such as sodium bicarbonate for the treatment of gastritis or peptic ulcers.