What is a potential result of prolonged vomiting?

Prolonged vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis, which is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to the loss of stomach acid. When a person vomits, hydrochloric acid (HCl) from the stomach is lost, resulting in a decrease in hydrogen ions in the body. This decrease raises the bicarbonate concentration in the blood, indicating alkalosis. Additionally, the body may attempt to compensate for this loss of acid, further contributing to metabolic alkalosis.

Understanding metabolic alkalosis involves recognizing how the body's acid-base balance is affected by the loss of gastric acid. This condition often presents with symptoms such as muscle twitching, hand tremors, and periods of confusion due to changes in electrolyte levels, specifically low potassium and chloride levels, which often accompany prolonged vomiting.