Interpretation of acid-base disorders

Keeping blood pH levels stable within narrow limits is prerequisite for maintaining normal body function. Disruptions of this equilibrium can occur for a variety of reasons and may result in life-threatening conditions. Therefore, the identification and the interpretation of acid-base disorders are of great importance in emergency medicine. The same applies to intensive care as well as to almost all areas of internal medicine. In this article, we provide a practical overview of all relevant acid-base disorders that are due to both metabolic and respiratory disturbances. In addition, it shows how they can be diagnosed in everyday clinical practice by applying the simplified Stewart Approach.