What do the results mean?There are many reasons why your chloride levels may not be in the normal range. High levels of chloride may indicate:DehydrationKidney diseaseAcidosis, a condition in which you have too much acid in your blood. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.Alkalosis, a condition in which you have too much base in your blood. It can cause irritability, muscle twitching, and tingling in the fingers and toes.Low levels of chloride may indicate:Heart failureLung diseasesAddison's disease, a condition in which your body's adrenal glands don't produce enough of certain types of hormones. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness, dizziness, weight loss, and dehydration.If your chloride levels are not the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical problem needing treatment. Many factors can affect your chloride levels. If you have taken in too much fluid or have lost fluid because of vomiting or diarrhea, it can affect your chloride levels. Also, certain medicines such as antacids can cause abnormal results. To learn what your results mean, talk to your health care provider.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
