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Information

Excessive ventilation causes a primary reduction in CO2 and pH in pneumonia, pulmonary edema, interstitial lung disease, and asthma. Pain and psychogenic causes are common; other etiologies include fever, hypoxemia, sepsis, delirium tremens, salicylates, hepatic failure, mechanical overventilation, and CNS lesions. Pregnancy is associated with a mild respiratory alkalosis. Severe respiratory alkalosis may acutely cause seizures, tetany, cardiac arrhythmias, or loss of consciousness.

Treatment: Respiratory Alkalosis

Treatment should be directed at the underlying disorders. In psychogenic cases, sedation or a rebreathing bag may be required.

Outline

Section 1. Care of the Hospitalized Patient