Alternative Names & Classifications:
Hypochloremia (CLINICAL)
Description
Chloride is an essential extracellular anion that works in tandem with sodium to maintain fluid balance and blood pH. Deficiency typically arises from severe gastrointestinal losses like prolonged vomiting, which forcefully purges stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) from the body. This massive loss of acidic chloride leads to a state of metabolic alkalosis, profoundly disrupting systemic respiratory and neurological functions.