pH Imbalance

Shortness of breath alone cannot distinguish acidosis from alkalosis; accompanying symptoms are required to determine which direction pH has shifted. Both acidosis and alkalosis cause breathing problems, but through different mechanisms. Acidosis causes labored, deep breathing and a hallmark sensation of air hunger — the inability to get enough oxygen. Alkalosis is accompanied by muscle cramping, tetany, and lower leg cramps because calcium cannot be mobilized properly when pH is too high. Potassium deficiency disrupts acid-base balance toward alkaline. High cortisol from chronic stress elevates blood pH toward alkaline. A high-carbohydrate diet can cause severe alkalosis.