A member asked:

Why does respiratory alkalosis cause hypokalemia while metabolic acidosis causes hyperkalemia?

8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Potassium shift: the concentration of electrolytes in the body and blood stream are very complex. The body strives to maintain normal concentrations of potassium, acid, as well as electrical charge. Acidosis causes a build up of hydrogen and cells will shift hydrogen and potassium to prevent acid buildup as a result potassium goes up, the reverse occurs when alkalosis happens

Answered 10/19/2019

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Dr. Clarence Grim answered

Specializes in Endocrinology

K and alkalosis acid: Blood K is sensitive to blood pH.( hydrogen ion concentration). When H gets too high (acidosis) it moves into cells to protect from death from too much acid.. As H+ moves into cells a + ion must move out. This is usually K+. Thus hyperK. When H+ gets too low (alkalosis) in blood H+ moves from cell to blood to prevent death from low H+.. As H+ moves out of cell K+ moves in. Thus blood K goes down.

Answered 10/19/2019

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Related Questions

A member asked:

Is it normal to get hypokalemia for it to change into hyperkalemia?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers