What Causes Metabolic Alkalosis?

Whitney Alexandra

Misuse Of Laxatives

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An individual can develop metabolic alkalosis if they engage in the misuse of over-the-counter or prescription laxative medications. Laxatives are utilized to help individuals pass stools that are too hard and difficult to pass without medical intervention. However, some individuals take laxative medications for recreational purposes, such as inducing weight loss. The misuse of laxatives causes diarrhea at a much greater frequency than normal. Laxative abuse can cause an individual to experience diarrhea-induced dehydration that leads to the depletion of their blood volume. The imbalance of acids and bases in the patient's body is due to a disproportionate loss of volume without congruent loss of bicarbonate. Volume loss can also cause alkalosis through a mechanism of renal compensation used to mediate the loss of blood volume. Laxative abuse can also cause a patient to experience acute kidney failure that can also contribute to the development of metabolic alkalosis.

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Misuse Of Laxatives

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