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Respiratory alkalosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Alkalosis - respiratory

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Life-threatening respiratory alkalosis is very rare. Breathing into a paper bag -- or use of a mask that causes re-breathing of carbon dioxide -- helps reduce symptoms in some cases.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis is based on the condition that causes the respiratory alkalosis.

Complications:

Seizures may occur if the alkalosis is extremely severe. This is very rare.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of lung disease such as chronic cough or shortness of breath.

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.

• 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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