Final answer:
An uncorrected increase in the bicarbonate: carbonic acid ratio can result in metabolic alkalosis, characterized by an overly alkaline blood pH. The body may try to compensate by renal or respiratory adjustments, but if it fails, severe symptoms or conditions can occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
If there is an increase in the bicarbonate: carbonic acid ratio beyond the normal 20:1 to a ratio of 40:1 and the body does not correct it, the condition can lead to metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, there is a higher concentration of bicarbonate relative to carbonic acid, indicating an excess of base in the body. This excess base causes the pH of the blood to rise, making it too alkaline.
The body typically responds to alkalosis by reducing renal excretion of bicarbonate, allowing more bicarbonate to be retained helping to lower the pH towards the normal range. However, if the body cannot make these corrections — for example, due to renal dysfunction — the elevated pH may persist, potentially leading to disorientation, tetany, seizures, or even coma.
Compensation mechanisms include increased renal excretion of bicarbonate by the kidneys in case of respiratory alkalosis where CO₂ deficiency exists, and increased respiratory rate to excrete CO₂ in metabolic acidosis. If these compensations are insufficient or do not occur, acid-base imbalances may pose serious health risks.