What does it mean if you have low bicarbonate levels in your blood?
Quick Answer
Low bicarbonate levels in the blood means that the body has an acid-base imbalance or an electrolyte imbalance, according to Lab Tests Online. Low bicarbonate levels may be due to metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney disease, Addison's disease, chronic diarrhea, methanol, or ethylene glycol or aspirin poisoning.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Doctors usually order the bicarbonate test together with other electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium, or together with blood gases and blood pH, explains Lab Tests Online. Acidosis occurs when the pH of blood is less than 7.35. Metabolic acidosis occurs when the level of bicarbonate is low and there is acidosis. The kidneys regulate the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood.
Metabolic acidosis can occur as a result of kidney disease; diarrhea; metabolic disease, such as diabetes; and several drugs and poisons, notes Lab Tests Online. Some drugs, such as methicillin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, thiazide diuretics and triamterene, can decrease bicarbonate levels.
High bicarbonate levels are associated with metabolic alkalosis and may be due to severe vomiting, lung disease, Cushing syndrome and Conn syndrome. Alkalosis occurs when the pH of blood is above 7.45. Drugs that can increase bicarbonate levels include steroids, fludrocortisone, loop diuretics, bicarbonates and barbiturates, according to Lab Tests Online.
Learn more about BloodRelated Questions
-
Q:
What happens when someone has too little sodium in the body?
A: Low levels of sodium in the blood may result in fluid imbalance in the body, abnormal function of the nervous system and poor regulation of blood pressure.... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What causes blood to thicken?
A: Thick blood is caused by a variety of conditions, such as heavy proteins in the blood, too much blood in circulation or a blood clot system imbalance, acco... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the indications of a high MCH blood count?
A: A high corpuscular hemoglobin count indicates the body's red blood cells are larger than usual, typically as a result of anemia caused by myelodysplasia, l... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What causes low gamma globulin?
A: Low gamma globulin or hypogammaglobulinemia is a deficiency of gamma globulin and a deficiency in the formation of antibodies, and it can be caused either ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
Are there printable blood pressure logs online?
-
Q:
What are several substances transported by blood?
-
Q:
What are some facts about human immunogobulin?
-
Q:
What is a universal donor?
-
Q:
What are the valves called that are found between the ventricles and blood vessels?
-
Q:
What causes ketones to appear in urine before blood?
