what causes respiratory and metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory Alkalosis is an acid base disturbance characterized by elevated arterial pH, hyperventilation resulting in a low pCO2 and a usually compensatory decrease in plasma HCO3- concentration. Respiratory Alkalosis results from an elevation in alveolar ventilation that causes a fall in the partial pressure of dissolved carbon dioxide. The fall in PCO2 causes a compensatory fall in plasma HCO3- concentration as was decribed previously. The causes of Respiratory Alkalosis are shown in the table below.
There are numerous ways that a metabolic alkalosis can occur, including: 1  Decreased acid and increased base levels in the body. 2  Lack of oxygen. 3  Low carbon dioxide.  Hypokalemic Alkalosis -Tremendous lack or loss of potassium occurs once taking certain medication such as: Diuretic.