Abnormal acid base balance

Acidosis and alkalosis mean an underlying pathophysiological process that in the absence of compensation would result in a change in pH . Acidaemia and alkalaemia mean a change in the actual pH . In sorting out abnormal acid-base biochemistry it is most convenient to divide the processes into changes in HCO $\ensuremath {_3^-}$ .

**Table 10:** Acid Base disturbance; HCO $\ensuremath {_3^-}$ pH and paCO2
	Plasma HCO $\ensuremath {_3^-}$	Plasma pH	Plasma paCO2
Metabolic acidosis	$\ensuremath{\downarrow}$	$\ensuremath{\downarrow}$	$\ensuremath{\downarrow}$
Metabolic alkalosis	$\ensuremath{\uparrow}$	$\ensuremath{\uparrow}$	$\ensuremath{\uparrow}$
Respiratory acidosis	$\ensuremath{\uparrow}$	$\ensuremath{\downarrow}$	$\ensuremath{\uparrow}$
Respiratory alkalosis	$\ensuremath{\downarrow}$	$\ensuremath{\uparrow}$	$\ensuremath{\downarrow}$