Metabolic alkalosis does not occur nearly as often as metabolic acidosis. However,there are several common causes of metabolic alkalosis.
Excessive Ingestion of Alkaline Drugs. One of the most common causes of alkalosis is excissive ingestion of alkaline drugs, such as sodium bicarbonate, for the treatment of gastritis or peptic ulcer.
Alkalosis Caused by Loss of Chloride Ions. Excessive vomiting of gastric contents without vomiting of lower gastrointestinal contents causes excessive loss of hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach mucosa. The net result is loss of acid from the extra.