How Do You Spell ALKALEMIA?

1. Alkalemia is a medical condition characterized by an excess of alkali (base) substances, specifically bicarbonate ions, in the blood. It is the opposite of acidemia, which is the presence of excess acid substances in the blood.

   In normal physiological conditions, the body maintains a delicate balance between acid and base substances to sustain the proper functioning of various bodily systems. This balance is regulated by the respiratory and renal systems. Alkalemia occurs when there is an excessive increase in the levels of bicarbonate, leading to a higher pH of the blood (above the normal range of 7.35-7.45).

   The causes of alkalemia can be diverse and are often related to underlying medical conditions. It can be a result of respiratory disorders, such as hyperventilation or chronic lung diseases, where there is an increased elimination of carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in acid levels. Additionally, metabolic disorders like excessive vomiting or ingestion of certain medications can also cause alkalemia.

   Symptoms of alkalemia can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. Mild cases may not produce noticeable symptoms, whereas severe cases may lead to muscle twitching, numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities, muscle weakness, confusion, and even seizures.

   Treatment for alkalemia focuses on addressing the underlying cause and trying to restore the acid-base balance. This may involve the use of certain medications, the correction of respiratory disorders, or the administration of intravenous fluids. Regular monitoring of blood pH levels is crucial to ensure proper management of alkalemia.

Common Misspellings for ALKALEMIA

The word "alkalemia" is composed of two components from different languages:

1. "Alkali" comes from the Arabic word "al-qaly", meaning "ashes of the saltwort plant". It was later adopted into medieval Latin as "alcali" and eventually became "alkali" in English. "Alkali" refers to a type of basic (opposite of acidic) substance.

2. "Emia" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "haima", which means "blood". In medical terminology, the suffix "-emia" is used to denote a condition or presence of a substance in the blood.

Therefore, "alkalemia" combines these components to refer to a medical condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the pH level of the blood, making it more basic than normal.

Similar spelling words for ALKALEMIA