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Causes of increased chlorine in the blood (hyperchloremia)
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Hyperchloremia is divided into absolute, developing in violation of the excretory function of the kidneys, and relative, associated with dehydration of the body and thickening of the blood. In cases of nephroses, nephritis and especially nephrosclerosis, salt retention occurs in the body and hyperchloremia develops, from the blood chlorine passes into the extracellular fluid, into skin cells, bones and other tissues, displacing other ions; in significant quantities, chlorine begins to be excreted with sweat. Insufficient intake of water into the body, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of fluids and salts during burns can lead to dehydration of the body and the development of relative hyperchloremia. When vomiting very quickly, the relative chloremia turns into hypochloremia due to the loss of chlorine by the body. These losses can reach up to two-thirds of its total content in the body.
Hyperchloremia (increase of chlorine in the blood) can occur with decompensation of the cardiovascular system, with the development of edema. The intake of large amounts of sodium chloride from food can also lead to hyperchloremia.
In addition, hyperchloremia is possible with alkalosis, accompanied by a decrease in the carbon dioxide content in the blood, which leads to the release of chlorine from the erythrocytes into the plasma, as well as in the resolution of edema, exudates and transudates.
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