Compensatory response to chronic respiratory alkalosis

Combined significance bands for plasma pH and concentrations of H+ and HCO3- in chronic respiratory alkalosis in humans. In uncomplicated chronic respiratory alkalosis, values for the H+ and HCO3- concentrations will, with an estimated 95 percent probability, fall within the band. Values lying outside the band indicate the presence of a complicating metabolic acid-base disturbance. Note that the compensatory reduction in the plasma HCO3- concentration is so effective that there is little fall in pH.