basiskbalanse

Basiskbalanse, often referred to as acid-base balance, is the physiological regulation of hydrogen ion concentration in body fluids to keep the pH within a narrow range essential for enzyme activity and cellular function. It relies on buffering systems, respiratory control of carbon dioxide, and renal control of bicarbonate and hydrogen ions.

Buffers such as the bicarbonate-carbonic acid pair maintain pH on a rapid timescale. The respiratory system adjusts pCO2 through ventilation, providing a fast mechanism to influence acidity. The kidneys regulate bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion, offering a slower but sustained correction. The relationship between pH, bicarbonate, and carbon dioxide is described by the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, linking chemical buffers to physiological control. Together, these systems maintain pH despite metabolic and environmental changes.

Basiskbalanse is typically assessed with arterial blood gas analysis, which reports pH, partial pressure of CO2, and bicarbonate, often complemented by base excess or deficit to indicate the net buffering status. Normal values for a balanced system fall within commonly accepted ranges for pH, pCO2, and HCO3-, though exact figures can vary by laboratory.

Disturbances are categorized as acidosis (low pH) or alkalosis (high pH). They can be of respiratory origin (related to CO2 levels) or metabolic origin (related to bicarbonate or non-volatile acids). The body may compensate through opposing regulatory mechanisms, but the underlying cause must be identified and treated. Common examples include metabolic acidosis from ketoacidosis, metabolic alkalosis from vomiting, respiratory acidosis from hypoventilation, and respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation.