2. 1
Introduction
• Acid-Base Balance: The delicate equilibrium of hydrogen ion concentration
in the body.
• Maintaining the pH: Essential for normal cellular function and enzyme
activity.
• Regulated by: Various physiological mechanisms and buffer systems.
3. 2
pH Scale
• pH Scale: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
• Neutral pH: 7.0.
• Acidic pH: Below 7.0.
4. 3
Acidosis and Alkalosis
• Acidosis: pH below 7.35.
• Causes: Accumulation of acids or loss of bases.
• Alkalosis: pH above 7.45.
5. 4
Buffer Systems
• Buffer Systems: Maintain pH stability by absorbing or releasing hydrogen
ions.
• Bicarbonate Buffer System: Most important extracellular buffer.
• Protein Buffer System: Operates both intracellularly and extracellularly.
6. 5
Respiratory Regulation
• Respiratory System: Regulates pH by adjusting the elimination of carbon
dioxide.
• Hyperventilation: Decreases CO2 levels, leading to alkalosis.
• Hypoventilation: Increases CO2 levels, leading to acidosis.
7. 6
Renal Regulation
• Renal System: Regulates pH by reabsorbing or excreting bicarbonate ions.
• Acidic Urine: Secretion of excess hydrogen ions.
• Alkaline Urine: Reabsorption of bicarbonate ions.
8. 7
Acid-Base Disorders
• Respiratory Acidosis: Caused by inadequate ventilation or lung diseases.
• Respiratory Alkalosis: Caused by hyperventilation or anxiety.
• Metabolic Acidosis: Caused by excessive acid production or bicarbonate
loss.
9. 8
Clinical Manifestations
• Acidosis Symptoms: Fatigue, confusion, rapid breathing, and muscle
weakness.
• Alkalosis Symptoms: Muscle twitching, irritability, and tingling sensations.
• Severe Acid-Base Imbalances: Can lead to coma or death if left untreated.
10. 9
Diagnostic Tests
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis: Measures pH, bicarbonate, and carbon
dioxide levels.
• Urinalysis: Assesses urinary pH and presence of abnormal substances.
• Blood Chemistry Panel: Determines electrolyte imbalances associated with
acid-base disorders.
11. 10
Treatment
• Acidosis Treatment: Address underlying cause, administer bicarbonate if
necessary.
• Alkalosis Treatment: Address underlying cause, provide fluids and
electrolytes.
• Monitoring: Regular pH and electrolyte measurements to assess treatment
effectiveness.
