Guide To Respiratory Alkalosis Symptoms

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when oxygen and carbon dioxide levels do not balance correctly in the body. Oxygen is what individuals get when they take a deep breath and inhale. When they exhale, they release carbon dioxide into the air. When these two things are not balanced, the body struggles. It happens when an individual's breath is too deep or too fast, making carbon dioxide levels drop dangerously low, which causes immediate concern in the blood, as pH levels begin to change, and the blood can become too alkaline, which means it is too acidic to function properly. Here are the symptoms patients must be aware of if they think they are suffering from respiratory alkalosis.

Lightheadedness And Dizziness

Two of the most common symptoms of respiratory alkalosis are lightheadedness and dizziness. When individuals do not breathe correctly, this happens almost immediately. It is like being underwater a bit too deep or a bit too long. Patients come up feeling very lightheaded and dizzy, and it is because their blood became alkaline while they were holding their breath. This is one of the most common and most noticeable symptoms, but it is not always easy to diagnose when it is by itself.

Many individuals can suffer from these symptoms if they are ill, if they are under the influence, or even if they have not had enough water and are suffering from dehydration. It is important to take note of these symptoms when they occur, but also take note of the other symptoms that come along with it. It is the combination that typically makes it easier for patients to diagnose what is going on in their body.

Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are not uncommon when respiratory alkalosis happens, and they are a sign of a panic attack or an anxiety attack. While there are other issues that might cause respiratory alkalosis, this is one of the most common. The patient's heart beats faster, and their breath is short. They feel lightheaded and dizzy, and as if they cannot control their breathing. The longer an individual's breath is short and they struggle trying to make it stop, the more likely they are to experience heart palpitations that might feel as if they are being brought on by panic.

Medical professionals agree this can be combated by breathing into a paper bag. Individuals should exhale into the bag, and then breathe it back in almost immediately. They should continue to do this as long as it takes to feel like they can breathe more carefully. Patients will notice their head starts to settle down, their heart does not feel as if it is racing, and they're able to calm down. Patients should still see a medical professional, but this can help them calm down faster.