![]() They will then send this sample to a laboratory for analysis.Įlectrolyte tests may be a part of routine care, or a doctor may perform them when a person becomes seriously ill. A doctor will remove a small amount of blood, often from the wrist. ![]() They measure the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels of the blood. Knowing the pH of a person’s blood can help a doctor find out if that person has an acid-base disorder.ĭoctors can also use these tests to monitor blood pH levels, establish and treat any underlying causes, and help care for people who are critically ill.Īrterial blood gas tests often take place in a hospital. There are two main types of tests that doctors can use to find out the pH of someone’s blood: arterial blood gas testing and electrolyte testing. aspirin overdose, as the body overcompensates for the high acid levels this causes.some lung conditions, such as pneumonia.Respiratory alkalosis often occurs due to situations or conditions that make people breathe quicker or deeper than usual. some diuretics, which are medications that help the body get rid of excess water or salt.prolonged vomiting or serious dehydration.Cushing’s disease, wherein there is too much of the hormone cortisol in the blood.excess consumption of bicarbonate, antacids, or citrate.Some causes of metabolic alkalosis include: Using drugs such as opiates can also lead to respiratory acidosis. lung conditions, such as pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Respiratory acidosis occurs due to conditions that make breathing difficult. Learn more about diabetic ketoacidosis here. Ketoacidosis typically occurs in people with diabetes or due to alcohol misuse. an excess of acids called ketones in the blood.losing bicarbonate from the body, such as during chronic diarrhea.consuming certain substances, such as aspirin, methanol, or paraldehyde.strenuous exercise, which produces lactic acid.kidney damage that leads to urea and other waste products building up in the blood.The sections below will look at the specific causes of each type of change to blood pH. For example, this can happen if the level of acidosis is too serious, or if the person’s kidneys are not working well.ĭepending on the cause, changes in blood pH can be either long lasting or brief. If the body does not reset the pH balance, it can lead to more severe illness. For example, if a person has respiratory acidosis, there should be a metabolic response from the kidneys to reset the balance. When a change happens in one direction, there are mechanisms to move the acid-base balance the other way. Respiratory changes relate to how the lungs are working. Metabolic changes in blood pH can occur as a result of kidney conditions or problems. These changes take longer than those that occur due to breathing, potentially taking hours or days. They also produce and regulate bicarbonate, which increases blood pH. The kidneys regulate the pH of the blood by excreting acids in urine. For example, when someone exercises, they produce more carbon dioxide, so they breathe faster to prevent the blood from becoming too acidic. The lungs can help regulate blood pH rapidly through the process of exhaling carbon dioxide, sometimes producing changes within seconds. There are also chemical buffering mechanisms throughout the body’s cells. The lungs and the kidneys are the two main organs that regulate the pH of the blood, often at the same time. ![]() Carbon dioxide occurs within the tissues of the body due to the process of respiration. This forms when carbon dioxide combines with water. Much of the acid made in the body is carbonic acid. These processes produce acids, so the body has a complex system of feedback and regulation to maintain healthy pH levels. The pH of blood in the arteries should be between 7.35 and 7.45 for the body’s metabolic processes and other systems to work well. Share on Pinterest A sudden change in blood pH may indicate an underlying health problem.
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