Acid and Base Balance and
Imbalance
,1 Acid and Base Balance and Imbalance
Acid-base balance in the human body is one of the most paramount physiological processes.
This tutorial intends to impart a basic understanding of acid-base balance in the body while
providing a systematic way to approach patients who present with conditions causing
alterations in pH.
The human body experiences four main types of acid-based disorders: metabolic acidosis,
metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis.
1: Introduction
2: pH Review
3: Buffer systems
4: respiratory acidosis
5: Respiratory alkalosis
6: Metabolic acidosis
7: Metabolic alkalosis
8: Metabolic acidosis
9: Compensation
,1 pH Review
pH = - log [H+]
H+ is really a proton
Range is from 0 - 14
If [H+] is high, the solution is
acidic; pH < 7
If [H+] is low, the solution is basic
or alkaline ; pH > 7
, 2 pH Review
• Acids are H+ donors.
• Bases are H+ acceptors, or give up OH- in
solution.
• Acids and bases can be:
• Strong – dissociate completely in
solution i.e HCl,
• Weak – dissociate only partially
in solution
• Lactic acid, carbonic acid
Imbalance
,1 Acid and Base Balance and Imbalance
Acid-base balance in the human body is one of the most paramount physiological processes.
This tutorial intends to impart a basic understanding of acid-base balance in the body while
providing a systematic way to approach patients who present with conditions causing
alterations in pH.
The human body experiences four main types of acid-based disorders: metabolic acidosis,
metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis.
1: Introduction
2: pH Review
3: Buffer systems
4: respiratory acidosis
5: Respiratory alkalosis
6: Metabolic acidosis
7: Metabolic alkalosis
8: Metabolic acidosis
9: Compensation
,1 pH Review
pH = - log [H+]
H+ is really a proton
Range is from 0 - 14
If [H+] is high, the solution is
acidic; pH < 7
If [H+] is low, the solution is basic
or alkaline ; pH > 7
, 2 pH Review
• Acids are H+ donors.
• Bases are H+ acceptors, or give up OH- in
solution.
• Acids and bases can be:
• Strong – dissociate completely in
solution i.e HCl,
• Weak – dissociate only partially
in solution
• Lactic acid, carbonic acid
