Final answer:
Hyperchloremia can be caused by dehydration, excessive salt intake, and certain medical conditions like cystic fibrosis. Hypochloremia, on the other hand, can be caused by defective renal tubular absorption, vomiting, diarrhea, and metabolic acidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hyperchloremia, or higher-than-normal blood chloride levels, can occur due to various reasons. Some causes include dehydration, excessive intake of dietary salt (NaCl) or swallowing of sea water, aspirin intoxication, congestive heart failure, and the hereditary chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis. On the other hand, hypochloremia, or lower-than-normal blood chloride levels, can be caused by defective renal tubular absorption, vomiting, diarrhea, and metabolic acidosis.