How is alkalosis treated
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Treatment for alkalosis includes addressing the underlying cause, administering acidic medications, correcting electrolyte imbalances, improving ventilation, and providing symptomatic and supportive care. The treatment plan should be tailored according to the type and severity of alkalosis. If symptoms such as rapid breathing, hand or foot spasms, or confusion occur, immediate medical attention is recommended. For cases involving vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive intake of alkaline substances,
Methods for treating alkalosis include correcting the underlying cause, administering acidic medications, adjusting electrolyte balance, improving ventilation function, and providing symptomatic supportive treatment. The treatment plan should be tailored according to the type and severity of alkalosis. If symptoms such as rapid breathing, hand or foot spasms, or confusion occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.
1. Correcting the Underlying Cause: Address triggers such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive intake of alkaline medications by stopping these behaviors—for example, discontinuing sodium bicarbonate—and treating the primary disease to prevent further progression of alkalosis at its source.
2. Administering Acidic Medications: In severe cases of metabolic alkalosis, medications such as arginine hydrochloride may be used under medical supervision to neutralize excess alkaline substances in the body and rapidly restore acid-base balance.
3. Adjusting Electrolyte Balance: Supplement potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and other electrolytes to correct imbalances such as hypokalemia and hypochloremia. Since electrolyte disturbances can worsen alkalosis, restoring electrolyte balance helps reestablish overall acid-base homeostasis.
4. Improving Ventilation Function: For respiratory alkalosis, reduce the respiratory rate, increase breathing depth, or use a mask to cover the mouth and nose to decrease carbon dioxide loss, thereby alleviating the body's acid-base imbalance.
5. Symptomatic and Supportive Treatment: Provide fluid replacement to maintain blood volume, monitor vital signs and blood gas analysis, and adjust the treatment plan based on clinical indicators to prevent complications and ensure stable basic bodily functions.
In daily life, maintain regular eating habits and avoid extreme dieting or frequent vomiting. Use medications appropriately and avoid self-administering alkaline drugs. Promptly record any symptoms when discomfort occurs, maintain a balanced diet, replenish electrolytes, and support the body’s acid-base and electrolyte equilibrium.
