Continuous vomiting, lifeless body... Could this be Metabolic Alkalosis?

Some of the things that happen inside our bodies are amazing. You might think that our blood is just a red liquid. But it's actually much more complex than that. Our blood has a certain amount of acid and base (alkaline) that should be present. If this balance, that is, the balance, is slightly out of balance, we can develop various diseases. Similarly, when the base, that is, the alkaline (alkaline) nature of our blood becomes too high, we call it Metabolic Alkalosis in medicine.

Simply put, what is Metabolic Alkalosis?

Think of it like a scale. On one side is acid, on the other side is base. In a healthy person's body, this scale is perfectly balanced. We call it pH . This balance is very important for our health.

Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the base side of the scale becomes too heavy. This means that the alkalinity of the blood increases too much. This is mainly caused by problems in our digestive system or kidneys. When this condition is mild, it may not show any symptoms. However, if the condition becomes severe, it can even affect the functioning of our kidneys.

What are the main types of this condition?

Metabolic alkalosis can be divided into two main types. The causes and treatments for each are slightly different.

What are the symptoms of Metabolic Alkalosis?

Sometimes you may not have any symptoms at all. However, if symptoms do appear, they can range from mild to severe.

Why do we get Metabolic Alkalosis? What are the main causes?

There are several reasons why this condition occurs. The main one is that the amount of bicarbonate in the blood increases and the amount of hydrogen decreases. The main reasons that can disrupt this balance are:

• Loss of stomach acid: When we vomit continuously or have a stomach pump, a large amount of stomach acid is released from our body. This increases the alkalinity of the blood.
• Taking too many antacids: This condition can occur if someone with kidney disease continues to use antacids containing sodium bicarbonate.
• Diuretics (or "water pills"): When these medications are taken in excess, they cause the body to excrete excess water, which in turn causes the body to excrete excess acid along with urine.
• Taking laxatives: These medications, which are used to treat constipation, can cause excessive bloating and loss of essential electrolytes such as potassium and chloride.
• Dehydration: When there is not enough water in the body, electrolyte balance can be disrupted and the alkalinity of the blood can increase.

Other medical conditions

In addition to these things, metabolic alkalosis can also be caused by some other medical conditions.

• Some genetic diseases that cause the kidneys to automatically excrete electrolytes.
• Increased levels of aldosterone, an adrenal hormone. `(hyperaldosteronism)`
• Decreased chloride levels in the blood.
• Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).
• Heart, kidney, or liver conditions.

Who is most at risk of developing this condition?

Some people are more likely to suffer from this condition.

• People who undergo gastric lavage for some reason.
• People who drink alcohol to the point of vomiting frequently.
• People who take laxatives for the purpose of losing weight.
• People who take diuretics to reduce swelling or lose weight.
• People with bulimia nervosa, a condition in which they forcefully vomit after eating because they fear gaining weight.
• People suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that occurs during pregnancy.

How does a doctor find this?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will carefully listen to your symptoms and may then perform several tests to confirm the condition.

• Physical examination: Checking your symptoms.
• Blood tests: Measure blood gases, acid-base balance, and electrolyte levels.
• ECG test: To check for abnormalities in the heart rhythm (arrhythmia) (Electrocardiogram).
• Urinalysis: This can help determine the cause of this condition.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of your condition. Mild cases may not require treatment. However, if you have severe symptoms, you may need immediate treatment .

The main treatment is to administer saline and necessary electrolytes through an IV.

• Saline infusion
• Potassium replacement
• Magnesium (Magnesium replacement)
• Chloride infusion
• Hydrochloric acid infusion - (This is given in very serious cases)

If this condition is caused by taking too much of a certain medication, stopping that medication is also part of the treatment.

How can we prevent this situation from happening again?

Most people can return to normal life after treatment. However, if the underlying problem that caused it is not addressed, it is possible for it to recur. So your doctor will give you some tips to reduce this risk.

• Reducing or stopping the dosage of medications such as antacids, laxatives, or water pills (only on medical advice).
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
• If recommended by your doctor, take vitamins or supplements to maintain electrolyte levels.

The most important thing is to treat the underlying cause of the condition. For example, if you are taking water pills for a heart condition, your doctor may change the dosage. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor to find the solution that works best for you.