Why is caution advised when acidifying bicarbonate solution

Excess of antacids. But if you have weak or failing kidneys and use a nonabsorbable antacid, it can bring on alkalosis. Nonabsorbable antacids contain aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide. Some diuretics water pills commonly prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urinary acid secretion.

The increased secretion of acid in the urine can make your blood more alkaline. Potassium deficiency hypokalemia. A deficiency of potassium can cause the hydrogen ions normally present in the fluid around your cells to shift inside the cells. The absence of acidic hydrogen ions causes your fluids and blood to become more alkaline.

Reduced volume of blood in the arteries EABV. This can come from both a weakened heart and from cirrhosis of the liver. Heart, kidney, or liver failure. Metabolic alkalosis can be caused by failure of a major organ, such as your heart, kidney, or liver. This leads to potassium depletion. A standard saline solution sodium chloride can make things worse by causing your body to retain fluids without getting rid of the excess of bicarbonate ions that are causing the alkalosis.

Genetic causes. In rare cases, an inherited gene can be the cause of metabolic alkalosis. Five inherited diseases that can cause metabolic alkalosis are:. To begin diagnosis, your doctor will take your medical history and give you a physical examination. The acidity or alkalinity of a liquid is measured on a scale called pH.

In metabolic alkalosis, the pH of your blood is high. The most neutral substance, water, has a pH of 7. When the pH of a liquid falls below 7, it becomes acidic. Your blood normally has a pH from 7. When the pH rises significantly above this level, you have metabolic alkalosis. When the chloride level is low, it indicates that you may respond to treatment with a saline solution.

A low potassium concentration can indicate either potassium deficiency or overuse of laxatives. Hypochloremia means you have too little of the chloride ion in your blood. Hypochloremic alkalosis is a serious condition that can put you into shock. It can result from dehydration and other causes. Fortunately, it can be treated by a standard saline salt solution. This can be delivered by IV if you have a severe case, or by adjustments to your diet in mild cases.

Metabolic alkalosis most commonly results from severe cases of vomiting that cause you to lose the acidic fluids in your stomach. This can usually be reversed by treatment with a saline solution. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Use Sodium Bicarbonate exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Sodium bicarbonate tablets are usually dissolved completely in water before swallowing.

Follow al directions on the product label. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using sodium bicarbonate. Since sodium bicarbonate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Do not take more of this medicine than recommended on the product label. Health Topics. Health Tools. Sodium Bicarbonate. Baking soda is easy to find and affordable.

In some cases, it can take the place of more expensive skin care products. Baking soda may be used for a variety of conditions affecting the skin. Some of these uses are backed by research, while others only have anecdotal evidence and should be used with caution.

Baking soda is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties. It may help reduce bacteria that causes acne when applied topically. This treatment may be used with caution on the shoulders or back, but should not be used on large areas of the body or on the face. To use, make a paste of baking soda and water. Leave on acne patches for up to 15 minutes and rinse. Baking soda is not a cure for eczema , but it may help relieve the itch associated with it.

Gently towel dry your skin and moisturize afterwards. Some research suggests baking soda is not beneficial for psoriasis when used as a topical paste. However, some people with psoriasis claim they find relief from itchiness and redness after taking a bath with baking soda and oatmeal. To use in a bath, follow the steps above for treating symptoms of eczema. Taking a baking soda and oatmeal bath may help reduce itching and redness caused by chickenpox. Add one cup of each to bath water and soak for 20 minutes.

While not a cure, the pain, itching, and inflammation of hemorrhoids may be soothed in a baking soda bath. Follow the instructions above for making a baking soda bath. Ichthyosis refers to a group of skin conditions that can cause dry and thickened, scaly skin all over the body. Immersion in bath water treated with baking soda is an old treatment for this condition. More research is needed to support these claims.

A paste of baking soda and water may help alleviate the itching caused by bug bites. To make a paste, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply to your bug bite and let sit for up to 10 minutes before washing the paste off your skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests baking soda paste may neutralize bee venom , plus reduce the pain, redness, and swelling of bee or wasp stings.