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Body Alkaline Infections

The pH scale ranges from zero to 14; seven and below is alkaline, seven and above, acid, and 7 is neutral. The normal pH of the human body is 7.36, which is very slightly alkaline. If the body's pH sways further from this healthy measure in the alkaline it can alter the body's metabolism and cause a number of health problems. If your body's pH is too high, you may suffer a disorder known as alkalosis.

  1. Assessing the pH of the Body

    • Everything that enters the body can potentially affect its pH level including food, liquid and drugs. However, just because a certain food is acidic does not mean that it creates an acidic environment within the body. Take orange juice for example, which is very acidic due to its high citric acid content. Despite the acidity of orange juice, when it is metabolized, it actually makes the body more alkaline. The acid-alkalinity level of the body is assessed by measuring the pH of urine with a simple litmus test

    Alkalosis Symptoms

    • Alkalosis is a disorder in which the body fluids are excessively alkaline. The acid-alkaline level of the body is regulated by the kidneys and the lungs. When the body becomes to alkaline due to increased bicarbonate levels or decreased carbon dioxide levels, a condition called alkalosis occurs. Symptoms of alkalosis include nausea and vomiting, muscle twitching, dizziness, numbness or pins and needles in the extremities, hand tremors and confusion which may progress to a coma.

    Alkalosis Causes

    • There are several different types of alkalosis which have different causes. Metabolic alkalosis is caused by excessive levels of bicarbonate in the blood. Respiratory alkalosis is brought on by reduced carbon dioxide levels such as would occur at high altitudes or from a respiratory disorder which makes you breathe faster and more shallowly than normal, lowering levels of carbon dioxide. Hypokalemic alkalosis is caused by a lack or sudden loss of potassium in the kidneys. This can happen if you are taking medications which have a diuretic effect. Periods of prolonged vomiting can cause hypochloremic alkalosis, brought on by an extreme lack of chloride in the body.

    Alkalosis Trests and Diagnosis

    • A number of tests other than the standard litmus paper test can detect alkalosis. Bicarbonate tests reveal if you have metabolic alkalosis (alkalosis relating to the kidneys). Carbon dioxide tests show if you are suffering form respiratory alkalosis (related to the lungs and breathing).

    Alkalosis Treatments

    • Treatment for alkalosis depends upon the specific cause (respiratory or metabolic). Breathing into a bag to retain more carbon dioxide may relieve respiratory alkalosis caused by reduced carbon dioxide levels due to hyperventilation. You may also receive oxygen therapy. If your alkalosis is due to loss of minerals such as potassium or an increase of carbonates, you will need medication to rebalance your system.

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