pH of Blood in Human Body, Ranges, pH Changes, Symptoms, and Causes

pH of Blood: The acidity of blood is denoted by its pH value, which can indicate underlying medical conditions such as metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and respiratory alkalosis. The pH scale, also known as the acid-base scale, ranges from 0 to 14 and measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution when a substance is dissolved in water. For example, pure water has a pH of 7.

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What is the pH value of Blood?

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pH of Blood in Human Body

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How pH of Blood is Maintained?

1. Chemical Buffers: These are molecules present in our blood and cells that can neutralize both acids and bases. They act as a temporary reservoir, absorbing any excess acid or base ions until other systems can take over. This buffering process occurs rapidly, within seconds to minutes.
2. Respiration: The lungs play a essential role in regulating blood pH by removing carbon dioxide (CO2), a by-product of cellular respiration. When CO2 levels increase in the blood, it becomes more acidic. The lungs respond by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, which helps eliminate CO2 and restore blood pH balance. This adjustment can occur within minutes.
3. Kidneys: These vital organs work on a longer timescale, taking hours to days to adjust blood pH. The kidneys filter the blood and can excrete excess acid or base through urine. They also play a role in controlling bicarbonate, an essential component of the blood's buffering system.

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Why pH of Blood is Important?

1. Optimal Body Functioning: Numerous biochemical reactions within the body depend on a specific pH range to function correctly. Enzymes, which are proteins that act as catalysts in these reactions, have an optimal pH at which they perform best. Any deviation in pH can disrupt enzyme activity and impede crucial processes.
2. Oxygen Delivery: The pH of blood directly impacts how efficiently red blood cells transport oxygen. When the pH is correct, hemoglobin in red blood cells binds to oxygen effectively. However, if the blood becomes too acidic, hemoglobin releases oxygen prematurely, depriving tissues of this essential molecule.
3. Protein Structure: Proteins are vital for nearly all bodily functions. The structure of a protein is crucial for its function, and pH plays a role in maintaining this structure. Significant changes in blood pH can alter protein shape, making them dysfunctional.
4. Regulation of Various Processes: pH is involved in regulating numerous physiological processes, such as nerve and muscle function, hormone production, and blood vessel constriction. Maintaining a stable pH is essential for these systems to operate correctly.

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Ranges of pH Value of Blood

• Normal pH Value of Blood: The normal pH range of blood is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45. This slight alkalinity is important for maintaining optimal bodily functions. Any significant deviation from this range can lead to health issues.
• High pH Value of Blood (Alkalosis): When the pH of blood rises above 7.45, a condition known as alkalosis occurs. This can be caused by various factors, such as excessive vomiting, which leads to a loss of stomach acid, or prolonged use of certain medications. Alkalosis can cause symptoms like muscle twitching, tingling in the extremities, and confusion. Severe cases can affect the heart and lead to life-threatening complications.
• Low pH Value of Blood (Acidosis): When the pH of blood falls below 7.35, it indicates acidosis. This can result from conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or respiratory disorders. Acidosis can lead to symptoms like rapid breathing, confusion, and fatigue. Severe acidosis can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical treatment.

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Changes in pH blood level

1. Metabolic acidosis: This occurs due to a decrease in bicarbonate levels or an increase in acid levels.
2. Respiratory acidosis: This arises when the body eliminates less carbon dioxide than usual.
3. Metabolic alkalosis: This results from an increase in bicarbonate levels or a decrease in acid levels.
4. Respiratory alkalosis: This happens when the body expels more carbon dioxide than normal.

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Causes of Blood pH Changes

1. Metabolic Causes: These factors impact the body's internal chemical processes that produce acids or bases.
2. Respiratory Causes: These factors affect the lungs' ability to eliminate carbon dioxide, a waste product that makes the blood more acidic.

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Metabolic Acidosis

• Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes
• Lactic acidosis, which can result from intense exercise, infections, or certain medications
• Kidney disease
• Poisoning from methanol or ethylene glycol
• Diarrhea

Metabolic Alkalosis

• Severe vomiting
• Significant dehydration
• Certain medications, such as diuretics
• Hyperventilation

Hypotonic Solution

Respiratory Acidosis

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Sleep apnea
• Drug overdose

Respiratory Alkalosis

• Anxiety
• Altitude sickness
• Aspirin poisoning
• Liver disease

Symptoms of Blood pH Changes

• Headache
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Lethargy and drowsiness
• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Irregular or rapid heart rate
• Stomach discomfort or nausea
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Unconsciousness and coma

• Confusion and dizziness
• Trembling hands
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities or face
• Muscle twitching or spasms
• Vomiting or nausea
• Coma