What is metabolic alkalosis?
The metabolic alkaloses represent a heterogeneous group of disorders that have in common a high concentration of plasma bicarbonate [HCO 3 − ] and a low concentration of H + in plasma. This constellation of findings can be seen in a number of different pathophysiologic entities. Hence metabolic alkalosis is a syndrome of metabolic findings and not a final diagnosis.
An alkalosis is a process that favors an alkaline blood pH or alkalemia. However, an alkalosis does not guarantee alkalemia, and other processes, such as acidosis, may be concurrent.