alkalosis /al′kəlō″sis/ [Ar, al + galiy + Gk, osis, condition] , an abnormal condition of body fluids, characterized by a tendency toward a blood pH level greater than 7.45 caused by an excess of alkaline bicarbonate or a deficiency of acid. The treatment of uncompensated alkalosis involves the correction of dehydration and various ionic deficits to restore the normal acid-base balance in which the ratio of carbonic acid to bicarbonate is 20:1. When a buffer system, such as carbon dioxide retention or bicarbonate excretion, prevents a shift in pH, it is labeled compensated alkalosis. Compare acidosis. Kinds include respiratory alkalosis, metabolic alkalosis. See also compensated alkalosis.
