Acid-base balance is one of the key parameters of homeostasis (constancy of the internal environment), reflecting the possibility of the normal course of all biochemical reactions and most vital functions in the body.
Each enzyme system requires an optimal acidity level. At the same time, in the process of metabolism, compounds are formed that can disrupt this level: shift the balance of the environment towards acidification (acidosis) or alkalization (alkalosis). To prevent this from happening, there are a large number of regulatory mechanisms.
The occurrence of a breakdown in the regulation of acid-base balance leads to numerous consequences, including life-threatening ones, since ABD is closely related to gas exchange - the saturation of tissues with oxygen.
The acid-base balance depends on the normal functioning of the lungs, kidneys, as well as on the chemical composition of the blood, therefore, the indications for the study are:
Renal pathology (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, urolithiasis, polycystic, neoplasms);
Lung diseases (COPD, pneumonia, pneumonitis, pleurisy, emphysema, atelectasis, tumors);
Blood loss;
Intoxication;
Loss of fluid (with vomiting, diarrhea, burns);
Poisoning;
Planning of surgical interventions.
When analyzing ABD, a large number of indicators are determined, including the total acidity of the blood, the partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide, total hemoglobin, various fractions of hemoglobin (associated with oxygen, with carbon dioxide, their percentage), hematocrit (the percentage of formed elements). The concentration of the main electrolyte ions (potassium, sodium, chlorine, calcium), which are directly involved in the creation of buffer systems, and metabolites (lactate, glucose) is also being studied. All these parameters reflect the acid-base balance, and their detailed analysis can reveal the link where the regulation failure occurred.
Interpretation of acid-base balance is carried out only by an experienced doctor, since the further tactics of managing the patient and his treatment depend on his conclusion. If necessary, a number of calculated indicators are calculated, the values of which play a huge role in the diagnosis of various pathological conditions and their timely detection.
