ACID BASE BALANCE – RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS AND ALKALOSIS
Respiratory Acidosis:
- Definition: Respiratory acidosis is a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to acidosis.
Causes of Respiratory Acidosis:
- Obstruction of the upper airway
- Obstruction of the lower airway
- Muscle weakness
- Neuromuscular disease
- Prolonged mechanical ventilation
Clinical Features and Laboratory Findings of Respiratory Acidosis:
- Tachypnea (rapid breathing rate)
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Confusion or altered mental status
- Nausea and vomiting
- Laboratory findings: increased CO2 levels, decreased pH, increased bicarbonate levels
Management of Respiratory Acidosis:
- Administer oxygen
- Use non-invasive ventilation (NIV)
- Intubation and mechanical ventilation
- Treat underlying cause
Respiratory Alkalosis:
- Definition: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, leading to alkalosis.
Causes of Respiratory Alkalosis:
- Hyperventilation
- Anxiety or panic attack
- Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary embolism
- High altitude
Clinical Features and Laboratory Findings of Respiratory Alkalosis:
- Tachypnea
- Tachycardia
- Confusion or altered mental status
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Laboratory findings: decreased CO2 levels, increased pH, decreased bicarbonate levels
Management of Respiratory Alkalosis:
- Administer oxygen
- Use NIV
- Intubation and mechanical ventilation
- Treat underlying cause
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach:
- For respiratory acidosis:
- Kali mur 6x (for respiratory distress and acidosis)
- Natrum mur 3x (for respiratory alkalosis and acidosis)
- For respiratory alkalosis:
- Aconitum napellus 6c (for anxiety and hyperventilation)
- Natrum mur 3x (for respiratory alkalosis and acidosis)
Note: Homoeopathic treatment is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. It should be used in conjunction with standard medical care.