The kidneys attempt to regulate the pH level of the blood serum to prevent health problems caused by acidosis or alkalosis. Renal compensation can take several days and may not be effective if the underlying cause is not addressed. The metabolism and respiratory tract also play a role in regulating internal pH. The kidneys can adjust their level of bicarbonate absorption to control acidity. In cases where renal compensation is not sufficient, treatment is needed to address the underlying cause. Blood tests can reveal pH imbalances and signs of renal compensation. Dialysis can be used if the kidneys fail, but it is not as efficient.
Renal compensation is an attempt by the kidneys to control the overall acidity, or pH, level of the blood serum. If it is too acidic or alkaline, the patient can develop health problems which will create a cascading series of reactions in the body. The kidneys are one of the lines of defense used to deal with acidosis or alkalosis. It can take several days for renal compensation to kick in and stabilize the pH, and the kidneys may not be able to maintain the desired value if the underlying cause of the problem is not addressed.
The metabolism and respiratory tract are involved in regulating internal pH through exchanging chemicals, excreting excess, and making sure cells get the oxygen and nutrients they need. People can develop pH imbalances due to metabolic disorders or respiratory problems, such as severe asthma that restricts breathing. When cells sense an imbalance, they respond by releasing chemicals to stabilize the body. If this is unsuccessful, renal compensation may occur.
Structures in the kidneys can determine whether the blood is too alkaline or acidic and decide which compounds to retain and which to excrete based on this. They can adjust their level of bicarbonate absorption, for example, to control the level of acidity. Over the course of several days, the kidneys are able to filter the blood and restore balance. Tests performed during renal compensation can show the effects of these efforts and also provide insight into overall renal function.
In cases where a patient has alkalosis or acidosis caused by an underlying medical problem, renal compensation may not be sufficient. The patient may develop a chronic pH imbalance that the kidneys are unable to regulate effectively. Treatment is needed to address the cause and eliminate the imbalance at its source; a patient with breathing problems, for example, may need to use inhalers to widen the airways or may require supplemental oxygen to facilitate gas exchange in the lungs.
The blood test can reveal if the serum pH is off and also provides insight into how the body is responding. Signs of renal compensation can be seen in the presence of various chemicals in the blood. If the patient’s kidneys begin to fail, they will no longer be able to compensate, and the pH imbalance could get much worse without intervention. Dialysis can be used as a blood filtering measure, but it is not as efficient as real kidneys.
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