Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 acids, like DNA, which help in the metabolismmechanism. The imbalance of phosphate in the body is related to either too low or too high of these ions in the body. The imbalance caused by the deficiency of phosphate is known as hypophosphatemia. It is caused by hyperparathyroidism, overuse of diuretics, diarrhea, deficiency of vitamin D, chronic alcoholism induced malnutrition, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Signs and symptoms of hypophosphatemia include weakness in the muscles and bones, tingling sensations, tremors, memory loss, seizures, coma, and a state of confusion. When the level of phosphate becomes too high, the imbalance is known as hyperphosphatemia. Causes of this imbalance are hypoparathyroidism, overuse of laxatives, phosphate enemas, and hypocalcemia. Symptoms of this imbalance are generally not seen until it combines with hypocalcemia. In this case, symptoms include numbness, tingling sensations, cramps in muscles, spasms, memory loss, depression, severe itching, arteriosclerosis, and convulsions. Chloride Chloride is another important electrolyte that regulates and balances the fluid inside, as well as outside, the cells of the body. The function of chloride is associated with maintaining the volume of blood, keeping blood pressure in control, and maintaining the pH level of fluids of the body. The main source of chloride is obtained by the intake of table salt as sodium chloride. Whatever is needed is absorbed by the body through the intestines during the digestion process, while the remaining is excreted in urine. Imbalances in chloride can cause symptoms like twitching and spasm of muscles, troubled breathing, confusion, and weakness. The imbalance caused by excessive infusion or ingestion of chloride in the body is known as hyperchloremia. It is caused due to a number of reasons like low anion gap, high sodium levels in the blood, diabetes insipidus or coma, hyperparathyroidism, metabolic acidosis, type 1 and II renal tubular acidosis, and certain medications. In contrast, the imbalance caused by the deficiency of chloride in the bloodstream is known as hypochloremia. Causes of hypochloremia are vomiting, prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, kidney diseases, loss of pancreatic secretion, ureteral colonic anastomosis, brain stem injury leading to neurogenic hyperventilation, and medications. Signs of chloride imbalance include dehydration, high blood sugar, Kussmaul's breathing, dyspnea, intense thirst, weakness, tachypnea, hypertension, edema, and coma. 5.3 Acid-Base Imbalance Acid based imbalance is the deviation from the normal plasma pH level caused by an imbalance of acids and bases in the body. The normal plasma pH range lies between 7.35 and 7.45 and any outlier from this range is known to cause imbalance in the acid base. When the acid increases its normal value, it is termed as acidosis, while the rise in bases is called alkalosis. In other words, the acidity in blood rises either by increase in the acidic compounds or falls in basic compounds in the body. In contrast, the reverse mechanism is termed as blood alkalinity. These imbalances are studied below. Achieve Page 79