Just what is Acidosis and Alkalosis?

Acidosis and Alkalosis

First, in the  human body, an acid is the presence of a free hydrogen ion (H+) in the fluids found in the body. This is an important point.

If the hydrogen ion is chemically combined with some other chemical it is not affecting the pH of the body, at that time.

The normal pH of the human body is 7.42. This is an average pH. The range for pH extends from a pH of zero to a pH of 14. Any pH value near 1 is extremely Acidic (lots of free hydrogen ions). Any pH value near 14 is very Basic (very few free hydrogen ions).

The normal pH value of the human body is slightly Basic. When you look at pH what is the significance of the number 7.42? How do we interpret them?

The definition of pH is meaningless when it come to what is happening to the patient. If the pH falls from a value of 7.42 to 7.41 the increase in the number of free hydrogen ions is 10% (percent).

If it drops to 7.32 the increase in the number of free hydrogen ions is 100% (percent). 

Yes, it has doubled. A patient who has a drop of one tenth of a pH value is in a serious Acidosis. Think trends are important? Using an old Minnesota phrase, "You Betcha!"

Going the other way, if the pH rises to 7.52 the number of free hydrogen ions has declined 100% (percent). The patient is in a serious Alkalosis.

Did we really need a formal definition of pH to understand what its values tell us.?

Remember, with electrolytes, time of decision is critical.

The Purpose of our Body Systems

The Enzyme - Protected by our Body Systems

To understand life and our ability to live the purpose of the enzyme is very important. It is an organic enzyme that makes it possible for all our chemical reactions to occur at body temperature.

Our planet is a miracle. Temperate climate, wonderful atmosphere and, of course, water.

Estimates on the age of Earth focus on 4.5 billion years. How could this hot, molten ball of mass change from a hostile environment to the Earth of today?

Biological life consists of four essential elements: Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen in the chemical form of carbon dioxide (CO2), Water(H2O) and Nitrogen Gas (NO2) and Oxygen (O2) in todays atmosphere. Scientists think the atmosphere on our early planet consisted originally of three gases: Methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3) and Water (H2O).

To follow my story note the three compounds above contain the elements C (Carbon), O (Oxygen), H (Hydrogen) and N (Nitrogen) the essential elements of biological life as we know it today. One set hostile to life and the other set compatible to life.

Some biodegradable products contain enzymes. Heres one:

We couldn't breathe methane and ammonia today without dying. What happened? The Earth changed from a hostile environment through a very slow process, that made sense. 

The planet had to cool. That took a lot of time. When the Earth reached a temperate climate a miracle of sorts happened in the seas that comprise  4/5 of the planets changing surface. 

Something appeared that reproduced and gave off a waste gas called carbon dioxide (CO2). This gas slowly built up in our oceans  until another miracle happened.

Something appeared that used the carbon dioxide (CO2), gave off a gas called oxygen (O2) and had the ability to use energy from our Sun to power the process. We could now harness the Suns energy.

Then a form of creature started that used the oxygen (O2) and gave off carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct. 

We are the ultimate creature of this entire process. If you didn't notice, this set the stage for "The Balance of Nature" between plants and animals that exist today.

What made all of this possible? Thats right, an enzyme. A biological enzyme. All of this is biological chemistry that deals with the biology of life.

Our Body Systems have one purpose - make a perfect environment in each and every cell that comprises your body. This biological enzyme catalyzes the chemical reactions necessary for life. Energy!

Energy is necessary for life!

Diabetes disrupts this perfect environment inside our cells. Normally, our body systems can do this without us being conscious of the events. 

When we can't do this alone, the medical profession steps in to help. Diabetes is just one disease. 

Non-Ketotic Hyperosmolar Coma in Diabetics

Non-Ketotic Hyperosmolar Coma in Diabetics

This coma is associated with nursing home patients but can occur in all ages. The principal symptom is lethargy that progresses to behavior that mimics one with less than  normal mental capacity. Vomiting is not, ordinarily, associated with this type of coma.

Extreme hyperglycemia is accompanied by dehydration when the person doesn't drink enough fluids. This coma occurs most often in people who develop Type II diabetes and they have an impaired ability to recognize when they are thirsty. They need to drink and, instead, slip into a state of dehydration from lack of fluids.

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When the person exhibits mental confusion that is not characteristic, the physician may order a chemical screen. The screen, with this type of coma, may show extreme hyperglycemia ( 1800 mg/dl - 100 mM) and dehydration. 

Treatment consists of insulin and gradual rehydration with intravenous fluids.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Coma

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Coma

This coma begins innocently when you have flushing and rapid breathing and dehydration. A coma is near or begins when you have visible sweating and vomiting, your face appears gray from diminished perfusion, shallow breathing and rapid heart rate.   Symptoms differ from person to person. Don't wait until all the symptoms appear to seek help or advise others, if you can, to seek help for you.

If these symptoms continue and worsen, without treatment, they could cause unconsciousness. That is the result of hyperglycemia, dehydration, shock and exhaustion.

Coma happens after worsening vomiting and hyperventilation. If you are diabetic, the diagnosis of ketoacidosis is made from your appearance and continuous vomiting over a span of one to two days. Blood chemistry confirms ketoacidosis by the presence of hyperglycemia and severe metabolic acidosis. 

Treatment consists of isotonic fluids administered orally, if awake, or intravenously if you are still in a coma, to stabilize your blood circulation. Simultaneously you continue with the iV with saline that contains potassium and other electrolytes to reverse the ketoacidosis. The physician or emergency staff will keep an eye on you for further complications.