Symptoms:

• Confusion (can progress to stupor or coma)
• Hand tremor
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle twitching
• Nausea, vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in the face or extremities
• Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)

Signs and tests:

An arterial blood gas analysis or basic metabolic panel will confirm alkalosis and determine if it is a respiratory alkalosis or a metabolic alkalosis. Other tests may be needed to determine the cause of the alkalosis. These may include:

• Litmus paper (urine dipstick tests)
• Urinalysis
• Urine pH

Treatment:

Treatment of alkalosis depends on finding the specific cause.

For alkalosis caused by hyperventilation, breathing into a paper bag causes you to retain more carbon dioxide and improves the alkalosis. If your oxygen level is low, you may receive oxygen to help the alkalosis.

Some people need medications to correct chemical loss (such as chloride and potassium). Your health care provider will monitor your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).

Expectations (prognosis):

Most cases of alkalosis respond well to treatment.

Complications:

• Arrhythmias
• Coma
• Electrolyte imbalance (such as hypokalemia)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you become confused, unable to concentrate, or unable to "catch your breath."

A visit to the emergency room or call to the local emergency number (such as 911) is warranted for:

• Loss of consciousness
• Rapidly worsening symptoms of alkalosis
• Seizures
• Severe breathing difficulties

Prevention:

Prevention depends on the cause of the alkalosis. Normally, people with healthy kidneys and lungs do not have significant alkalosis.