ALKALOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Alkalosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the pH level of body fluids, specifically the blood. The pH of a substance measures its level of acidity or alkalinity, and a pH above 7.45 is considered alkaline. Alkalosis typically occurs when there is an excess of alkaline compounds or a deficit of acidic compounds in the blood.
There are two main types of alkalosis: respiratory alkalosis and metabolic alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body through increased respiratory rate or depth. This leads to a decrease in the concentration of dissolved CO2 in the blood, resulting in alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis, on the other hand, is caused by an excess loss of acids or an increase in alkaline substances in the body, such as bicarbonate ions.
Symptoms of alkalosis may include muscle twitching, tingling or numbness in the extremities, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and lightheadedness. In severe cases, alkalosis can lead to seizures, tetany (involuntary muscle contractions), and even loss of consciousness.
Treatment of alkalosis involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include correcting respiratory rate, restoring electrolyte balance, reducing the intake of alkaline substances, or administering medications to balance acid-base levels. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of alkalosis, as it may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.
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A condition in which the blood is unduly alkaline, the equilibrium between its acids and bases being displaced in favor of the latter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ALKALOSIS
- zlkalosis
- slkalosis
- wlkalosis
- qlkalosis
- akkalosis
- apkalosis
- aokalosis
- aljalosis
- almalosis
- allalosis
- aloalosis
- alialosis
- alkzlosis
- alkslosis
- alkwlosis
- alkqlosis
- alkakosis
- alkaposis
- alkaoosis
- ankilosis
- Alcaloses
- Alkiloses
- ankalisis
- anmatosis
Etymology of ALKALOSIS
The word "alkalosis" is derived from two main components: "alkali" and "osis".
The term "alkali" originates from the Arabic word "al-qaliy", which means "ashes of saltwort". "Al-qaliy" was borrowed into Medieval Latin as "alcali", and then further modified in Old French to "alkei" before being first recorded in English as "alkali" in the late 16th century.
The suffix "-osis" comes from the Greek word "-ōsis", which signifies a condition or state. It is often added to the root of a word to indicate a disease or disorder related to that particular root. In the case of "alkalosis", the root "alkali" refers to an excessive amount of alkali or alkaline substances in the body, resulting in the impairment of normal bodily functions or a disturbance of acid-base balance.
Similar spelling words for ALKALOSIS
- alkalizer,
- alkalizes,
- alkalinize,
- Alkaloses,
- alkali bee,
- alkalotic,
- alkali,
- alcalosis,
- alkalimetry,
- alkaloidal,
- alkaliser,
- alkalise,
- illegalises,
- alkalize,
- alkaloid,
- illegalizes,
- alkalemia,
- alkalinity,
- alkali grass,
- alkalescent,
- alkalic,
- alkaline,
- alkalises,
- alkaluria,
- alkalinuria,
- alkalify,
- alkalinise.
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