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Kidneys
Kidneys


Alkalosis

Symptoms:
  • Confusion (can progress to stupor or coma)
  • Muscle twitching
  • Hand tremor
  • Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Numbness or tingling in the face or extremities
  • Light-headedness


Signs and tests:
  • Tests for pH indicate alkalosis or acidosis.
  • Tests for carbon dioxide and bicarbonate levels indicate the cause of alkalosis or acidosis, either respiratory (breathing-related) or metabolic (kidney-related).
Some of these tests include:


Review Date: 12/9/2005
Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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