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Respiratory alkalosis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Alkalosis - respiratory

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at the condition that causes respiratory alkalosis. Breathing into a paper bag -- or using a mask that causes you to re-breathe carbon dioxide -- sometimes helps reduce symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

What will happen depends on the condition that is causing 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.

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 8/8/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Seifter JL. Acid base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 119.

Hyperventilation

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