Decreased carbon dioxide or increased bicarbonate levels create an excessive alkaline state called alkalosis.
Respiratory alkalosis is caused by lower carbon dioxide levels.
Altitude or a disease that causes reduced oxygen in the blood triggers the individual to breathe faster, reducing carbon dioxide levels, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is caused by an excess of bicarbonate in blood. The kidneys compensate for the chloride loss by conserving bicarbonate. Hypokalemic alkalosis is caused by the kidneys' reaction to an extreme lack or loss of potassium which may be caused by some diuretic medications. The prevention depends on the cause of the alkalosis.