PH BALANCE
Acids are defined as substances which release
Hydrogen ions (H+) when added
to water. On the other hand, Bases are those substances which release Hydroxide
ions (HO-) on being added to water.
For maintaining homeostasis, the human body ideally should have a blood pH
(Potential Hydrogen) value in the range of 7.35-7.45 with normal value of 7.4
(H+), i.e., nearly 40 nmoles/liter, which is slightly alkaline. Values
below or above the ranges can prove to be life threatening.
Blood acidosis may be Metabolic or Respiratory. Metabolic acidosis is
caused by intake of substances containing or producing acids, poisoning,
alcohol, etc. Other causes could be uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (type 1),
malfunctioning kidneys, shock, etc which either result in excess acid or low
bicarbonate in the blood. Its symptoms include nausea, fatigue and vomiting. In
case of extreme situations, blood pressure may fall with its effects like coma
and even death. On the other hand Respiratory acidosis results when lungs do
not release sufficient quantity of Carbon-di-oxide due to diseases causing
impaired breathing, asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.. Its symptoms
being headache, drowsiness and in bad cases coma. Body tries to combat acidosis
by breathing deeply so as to expel excess Carbon-di-oxide and kidneys try to
remove excess acids in urine.
Alkalosis implies surplus
bicarbonate or low acid levels in the
blood. Similar to acidosis, there are Metabolic and Respiratory alkalosis.
Symptoms include muscle cramps,
twitching, etc. The causes of Metabolic
alkalosis could be loss of acids through vomiting , large intake of
alkalis, kidney malfunction, constipation,
etc. It can be treated by ingesting water and electrolytes (Sodium and
Potassium). Respiratory alkalosis can result from Hyperventilation (deep
breathing) caused by fever, pain, anxiety, etc which results in loss of high
quantity of Carbon-di-oxide from blood. Lowering the rate of breathing
consciously can increase Carbon-di-oxide levels so as to bring the acid-base
balance to normal.
The body’s renal and respiratory buffer maintains the pH balance at a
normal level. While the renal buffer is mediated by the kidneys, the
respiratory buffer operates through the following chemical equation:
Carbonic acid bicarbonate ion
It implies that Carbon-di-oxide combines with water
available in the blood to release Carbonic acid which then gives rise to
Hydrogen ions and Bi-carbonate ions. The reaction is reversible.
Carbon dioxide is a metabolic waste. In situations of enhanced rate
of metabolism, CO2 levels in the blood stream rise, the equation
moves to the right forming more H+
resulting in low pH levels or acidosis. The body counteracts by breathing
rapidly and releases excess Carbon-di-oxide raising pH level. Conversely, low rate of metabolism makes the equation go
reverse forming less H+ ions resulting in high pH levels or
alkalosis. The body's response is shallow breathing and accumulation of carbon
dioxide reducing the pH level.
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