Alcalosis is a medical term used to describe an abnormal alkaline condition in the body's bloodstream. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ælkəˈləʊsɪs/. The first two syllables, "alk" and "al" are pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a hard "k" sound, while the last syllable, "osis," is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by a soft "s" sound. The spelling of this word is influenced by its origins from the Greek language, where "alkalos" means "alkaline" and "osis" means "condition."
Alkalosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the pH level of the blood and body fluids. The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with a pH of 7 being neutral, values below 7 indicating acidity, and values above 7 indicating alkalinity. In the case of alkalosis, there is a higher concentration of bicarbonate or a lower concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to an alkaline pH above the normal range of 7.35-7.45.
Alkalosis can be caused by various factors, such as respiratory disorders, metabolic conditions, and excessive loss of acids from the body. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is rapid and shallow breathing, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. Metabolic alkalosis can be a result of excessive vomiting, ingestion of certain medications, or hormonal imbalances. Symptoms of alkalosis include muscle twitching, hand tremors, tingling sensations, lightheadedness, and confusion.
Treatment of alkalosis primarily depends on addressing the underlying cause, whether it be respiratory or metabolic. Doctors may adjust breathing patterns, administer medications, or intravenous fluids to help restore the normal pH balance. It is crucial to resolve alkalosis promptly as it can disrupt various bodily functions and lead to complications.
The term "alkalosis" has its roots in two sources: "alkali" and the suffix "-osis".
"Alkali" comes from the Arabic word "al-qaly" or "al-qili", which means "ashes of the saltwort plant". Saltwort plants were known for their high alkali content and were used in the production of alkali substances.
The suffix "-osis" is derived from the Greek "-ōsis", meaning "a condition or state". It is commonly used to indicate a disorder or pathological condition.
Therefore, combining these elements, "alkalosis" refers to a pathological condition characterized by an excessive alkaline state in bodily fluids, such as blood, caused by an imbalance in acid-base regulation.