Which type of water balance disturbance results from excessive loss of bicarbonate?

Excessive loss of bicarbonate leads to a condition known as metabolic acidosis. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) acts as a buffer in the body, helping to maintain pH balance. When there is a significant loss of bicarbonate, such as through prolonged diarrhea or certain renal tubular disorders, the blood becomes more acidic, resulting in a decrease in pH. This state is characterized by an increased concentration of hydrogen ions, ultimately leading to acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis is specifically distinguished from other types of acidosis, such as respiratory acidosis, which is primarily caused by impaired ventilation leading to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) retention, rather than a direct loss of bicarbonate. In summary, the crucial connection here is that the loss of bicarbonate diminishes the body’s ability to neutralize acids, thus directly causing metabolic acidosis.