Alkalemia (Noun)
Meaning
A blood disorder characterized by a lower concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood (which rises above 7.45 on the pH scale).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The patient was diagnosed with respiratory alkalemia due to hyperventilation, which caused her blood pH to rise above 7.45.
- Alkalemia can be caused by excessive vomiting, which leads to a loss of hydrogen ions in the blood.
- The doctor suspected metabolic alkalemia in the patient who had been taking diuretics for an extended period.
- Respiratory alkalemia can be treated by having the patient breathe into a paper bag to increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
- Untreated alkalemia can lead to serious complications, including muscle weakness, seizures, and even heart arrhythmias.