Acid-Base Balance

• #Schweitzer
• Carbonic Acid–Bicarbonate Buffer System
  • $$HCO3^- + H^+ \leftrightarrow H2 CO3 \leftrightarrow \text{Carbonic Anhydrase} \leftrightarrow H2 O + CO_2$$
  • The metabolic component of this buffer system is $$H2 CO3$$, the respiratory component is $$H2 O + CO2$$.
  • Respiratory Imbalance
    • Respiratory Acidosis occurs when the respiratory system cannot get rid of built up $$CO_2$$ from normal metabolism
    • Respiratory Alkalosis occurs when the respiratory system exhales too much $$CO_2$$, usually from hyperventilation
  • Metabolic Imbalance
    • Metabolic Acidosis occurs when there is too little bicarbonate ($$H2 CO3$$) or too much $$H^+$$ in the body
      • Ketoacidosis, acid ingestion, anaerobic metabolism, shock
    • Metabolic Alkalosis occurs when there is an increase of $$HCO_3^-$$ in the body or a decrease in circulating acids
      • Antacid overdose, excessive vomiting
• Phosphate Buffer System
  • $$H2 PO4^- \leftrightarrow HPO_4^{2-} + H^+$$
  • This buffer system stabilizes the acidity of urine and intracellular fluid
• Protein Buffer System