Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

Definition

Disorders of acid-base balance occur when the body's usual mechanisms for keeping the pH level of blood and bodily fluids within a healthy range are disrupted, leading to conditions such as acidosis (too acidic) or alkalosis (too basic). These disorders can result from issues with respiratory function, metabolic processes, or both.

Related terms

Acidosis: A condition where there is too much acid in the body fluids, making the pH lower than normal.

Alkalosis: A condition characterized by a decrease in the hydrogen ion concentration of the blood, raising its pH above normal levels.

pH: A scale used to specify how acidic or basic a water-based solution is; in the human body, it is tightly regulated to stay around 7.4