4. Acid base balance (Biochemistry)

Acid base balance system

1. ACID BASE BALANCE MAINTAINANCE AND DIAGNOSTIC TEST, pH BUFFER

2. In the absence of pathological states, the pH of the human body ranges between 7.35 to 7.45, with the average at 7.40. A pH below 7.35 is an acidemia, and a pH above 7.45 is an alkalemia. The human body experiences four main types of acid- based disorders: Metabolic acidosis, Metabolic alkalosis, Respiratory acidosis, and Respiratory alkalosis. If one of these conditions occurs, the human body should induce a counterbalance in the form of an opposite condition.

3. Organ System Involved in pH Balance Every organ system of the human body relies on pH balance; however, The renal system The pulmonary system The renal system affects pH by reabsorbing bicarbonate and excreting fixed acids. Whether due to pathology or necessary compensation, the kidney excretes or reabsorbs these substances which affect pH. The pulmonary system adjusts pH using carbon dioxide; upon expiration, carbon dioxide is projected into the environment. Due to carbon dioxide forming carbonic acid in the body when combining with water, the amount of carbon dioxide expired can cause pH to increase or decrease.

4. Function of pH balance The physiological pH of the human body is essential for many processes necessary to life including oxygen delivery to tissues, correct protein structure, and innumerable biochemical reactions that rely on the normal pH to be in equilibrium and complete.

5. Acid base imbalance When the levels of acid in your blood are too high, it's called acidosis. When your blood is too alkaline, it is called alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are due to a problem with the lungs. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are due to a problem with the kidneys.

6. Treatments of respiratory acidosis A doctor should be seen immediately to treat acute respiratory acidosis Bronchodilator medications maybe given to correct some forms of airways obstructions If blood oxygen level is too low, you may require breathing machine/ noninvasive positive pressure ventilation Each cause may requires different treatment ranging from antibiotics to a breathing machine

7. Preventing respiratory acidosis Maintain healthy weight Take sedatives only under strict doctor supervision Never combine sedatives with alcohols Do not smokes

8. Causes of metabolic acidosis Diabetic acidosis/ Diabetic ketoacidosis: build up of ketone bodies. This is usually due to uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Hyperchloremic acidosis: When your body loses too much sodium bicarbonate, often after severe diarrhea. Lactic acidosis: When too much lactic acid is builds up. This can be due to:

9. Prolonged exercise Lack of oxygen Certain medication Low blood sugar/ hypoglycemia Alcohol Seizures Liver failure Cancer Kidney diseases Poisoning from too much aspirin, methanol and ethylene glycol

10. Treatments of metabolic acidosis The underlying condition behind the acidosis must be treated. In some cases, sodium bicarbonate is prescribed

11. Treatments of metabolic alkalosis Some medications (such as chloride and potassium) can help correct chemical losses. Further treatment will depend on the cause, need to monitor vital signs and create proper plan to correct your pH imbalance.

12. Buffer system in the body The buffer system in the human body are extremely efficient, and different system works at different rates. It takes only seconds for the chemical buffers in the blood to make adjustments to pH. The buffer system in blood plasma include plasma proteins, phosphate, and bicarbonate and carbonic acid buffers.

13. Protein buffer in blood plasma and cells Nearly all proteins can work as buffers. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which contains positive charged amino groups and negatively charged carboxyl groups. The charged molecules of these region binds hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, and thus functions as buffers.

14. Hemoglobin as a buffer Hb is the principal protein inside of the RBC and accounts for 1/3 rd of the mass of the cell. During the conversion of CO 2 into bicarbonate, hydrogen ions liberated in the reaction are buffered by hemoglobin, which is reduced by the dissociation of oxygen. This buffering helps maintain normal pH.

15. Phosphate as a buffer Phosphate are found in blood in two forms: sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH 2 PO 4 ) and disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na 2 HPO 4 ). Na 2 HPO 4 : NaH 2 PO 4 = 4:1  

16. Bicarbonate-carbonic acid as a buffer Bicarbonate ions and carbonic acid are present in the blood in a 20:1 ratio, if the blood pH within the normal range.