Salicylic acid overdose can lead metabolic acidosis with compensatory respiratory alkalosis. Common symptoms include hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and low plasma renin activity. Hyperventilation syndrome can cause respiratory alkalosis and hypocapnia. In summary, hyperaldosteronism causes hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. When PaCO2 is adjusted rapidly in individuals with chronic respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis may occur. Levels above 7.45 are referred to as alkalosis and levels below 7.35 as acidosis. If these homeostats are compromised, then a respiratory acidosis, or a respiratory alkalosis will occur. Buffer solutions are used to correct acidosis or alkalosis. Improper balance can lead to dehydration, alkalosis, acidosis or other life-threatening changes. Additionally, electrolyte disturbances, systemic alkalosis or gastric irritation may occur. Arginine hydrochloride is used to treat refractory metabolic alkalosis. Above , marked hypoxemia, hypocapnia, and alkalosis are characteristic of extreme altitudes. Mild cases of metabolic alkalosis often causes no symptoms. A high base excess, thus metabolic alkalosis, usually involves an excess of bicarbonate. It can also occur as a compensatory response to chronic metabolic alkalosis.