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What is Metabolic Acidosis?

Eric Stolze
Eric Stolze

Metabolic acidosis is a medical condition that exists when a person’s body fluids contain excessive amounts of acid. This condition can develop when the body produces more acid than normal or when the kidneys do not remove enough acid from the body. Several types of metabolic acidosis exist, including diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis and respiratory acidosis.

Some people with diabetes may develop diabetic ketoacidosis. Individuals with this form of metabolic acidosis accumulate abnormally high levels of ketones in their body. Ketones are acidic substances that are byproducts of the breakdown of fat in the body, and high levels of these acids can be poisonous.

Shortness of breath is one symptom of metabolic acidosis.
Shortness of breath is one symptom of metabolic acidosis.

People with ketoacidosis may notice that they have rapid and deep breathing, a flushed face or a fruity breath odor. Stomach pain, vomiting and nausea can occur with this acidic disorder. Doctors typically test ketone levels in a patient’s urine to identify abnormally high levels of these acids. Most patients with diabetic ketoacidosis do not have enough insulin in their bodies, and they usually receive insulin replacement medication to treat this condition.

Doctors typically check for ketone levels in a patient's urine when metabolic acidosis is suspected.
Doctors typically check for ketone levels in a patient's urine when metabolic acidosis is suspected.

Lactic acidosis is a form of metabolic acidosis that results from an accumulation of high amounts of lactic acid in the body. This condition has several potential causes, including liver failure, low blood sugar levels and excessive amounts of physical exercise. A lack of oxygen from heart failure, shock or anemia may also cause lactic acidosis to develop.

In some instances, obesity can lead to respiratory acidosis.
In some instances, obesity can lead to respiratory acidosis.

Fast breathing, lethargy and confusion have been reported by some people with lactic acidosis. Physicians may use blood tests that measure electrolytes or blood gas analysis tests to identify this medical condition. Doctors generally treat lactic acidosis by treating the underlying cause of the disease. Patients may receive sodium bicarbonate to help the body normalize its acidity levels.

Lethargy is one of the foremost signs of lactic acidosis.
Lethargy is one of the foremost signs of lactic acidosis.

Respiratory acidosis is a type of metabolic acidosis that can develop when a patient’s lungs are unable to get rid of carbon dioxide the body produces. The blood often becomes too acidic with this disorder. This condition has a number of possible causes, including lung diseases, diseases that affect the muscles the body uses to breathe and drugs that can suppress a patient’s breathing. In some cases, obesity may restrict the ability of the lungs to fully exhale and remove carbon dioxide from the body.

Lactic acidosis, a form of metabolic acidosis, can be caused by excessive amounts of physical exercise.
Lactic acidosis, a form of metabolic acidosis, can be caused by excessive amounts of physical exercise.

Individuals with respiratory acidosis have experienced shortness of breath, sleepiness and fatigue in some instances. Respiratory failure and shock have occurred with severe cases of this disease. Physicians may treat this condition with bronchodilator drugs that expand the airways of the lungs, or they may recommend oxygen treatment or ventilation to assist breathing. Respiratory acidosis patients who smoke usually receive treatment to help them quit smoking in order to improve their lung functioning.

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    • Shortness of breath is one symptom of metabolic acidosis.
      By: nuiiko
      Shortness of breath is one symptom of metabolic acidosis.
    • Doctors typically check for ketone levels in a patient's urine when metabolic acidosis is suspected.
      By: Rob Byron
      Doctors typically check for ketone levels in a patient's urine when metabolic acidosis is suspected.
    • In some instances, obesity can lead to respiratory acidosis.
      By: Kokhanchikov
      In some instances, obesity can lead to respiratory acidosis.
    • Lethargy is one of the foremost signs of lactic acidosis.
      By: Coka
      Lethargy is one of the foremost signs of lactic acidosis.
    • Lactic acidosis, a form of metabolic acidosis, can be caused by excessive amounts of physical exercise.
      By: Dirima
      Lactic acidosis, a form of metabolic acidosis, can be caused by excessive amounts of physical exercise.
    • Physicians may conduct blood tests to identify metabolic acidosis.
      By: JackF
      Physicians may conduct blood tests to identify metabolic acidosis.
    • Someone with ketoacidosis may notice a flushed face.
      By: oocoskun
      Someone with ketoacidosis may notice a flushed face.
    • Diabetics can help prevent acidosis by eating healthy and using their prescribed insulin dosage.
      By: Gordan Jankulov
      Diabetics can help prevent acidosis by eating healthy and using their prescribed insulin dosage.