Why is there Respiratory Alkalosis in Pulmonary Embolism?

[Xbocker]

Correct me if Im wrong but if the lungs are ventilating but there is a perfusion defect wouldn't that mean the CO2 cannot escape to the alveoli to be eliminated so CO2 would build up in the blood causing acidosis?

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[mcloaf]

You're going to hyperventilate in response to the PE and blow off too much CO2, I believe.

 

[brunkn06]

There is gas exchange going on in the rest of the lungs not supplied downstream of the clot. Hyperventilation is likely the reasoning for the alkalosis I'd think. But, I'd suggest finding that from a better source than myself.

 

[Fox800]

There is gas exchange going on in the rest of the lungs not supplied downstream of the clot. Hyperventilation is likely the reasoning for the alkalosis I'd think. But, I'd suggest finding that from a better source than myself.

This.

 

[Dharma]

Remember that the solubility of CO2 is something like 20x that of O2, so unless perfusion has been reduced to zero, it will cross the respiratory membrane and get right on out.

 

[Doctosanthewan]

You're going to hyperventilate in response to the PE and blow off too much CO2, I believe.

Remember that the solubility of CO2 is something like 20x that of O2, so unless perfusion has been reduced to zero, it will cross the respiratory membrane and get right on out.