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Respiratory alkalosis

Definition:

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition marked by low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Alternative Names:

Alkalosis - respiratory

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Common causes include hyperventilation , anxiety, and fever.

Any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath may also result in respiratory alkalosis.

References:

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000: 192-193.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1717-1718.

Respiratory system

Review Date: 2/27/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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