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Metabolic acidosis
Acidosis - metabolic
Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids.
Causes
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid. It can also occur when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body.
There are several types of metabolic acidosis.
Diabetic acidosis develops when acidic substances, known as ketone bodies, build up in the body. This most often occurs with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. It is also called diabetic ketoacidosis and DKA.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when the body cannot use sugar (glucose) as a fuel ...
Hyperchloremic acidosis results from excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body. This can occur with severe diarrhea.
Lactic acidosis results from a buildup of lactic acid. It can be caused by:
- Alcohol
- Cancer
- Exercising intensely
- Liver failure
- Medicines, such as salicylates
-
Prolonged lack of oxygen from
shock
,
heart failure
, or severe
anemia
Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means that the cells and organs...
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ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleAnemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...
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Seizures
Seizures
A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term "seizure...
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Other causes of metabolic acidosis include:
- Kidney disease (distal renal tubular acidosis and proximal renal tubular acidosis)
- Poisoning by aspirin, ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze), or methanol
-
Severe
dehydration
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how muc...
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Symptoms
Most symptoms are caused by the underlying disease or condition that is causing the metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis itself most often causes rapid breathing. Acting confused or very tired may also occur. Severe metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death. In some situations, metabolic acidosis can be a mild, ongoing (chronic) condition.
Exams and Tests
These tests can help diagnose acidosis. They can also determine whether the cause is a breathing problem or a metabolic problem. Tests may include:
- Arterial blood gas
- Basic metabolic panel, (a group of blood tests that measure your sodium and potassium levels, kidney function, and other chemicals and functions)
- Urine pH
-
Urine ketones
or blood ketones
Urine ketones
A ketone urine test measures the amount of ketones in the urine.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Lactic acid test
- Arterial blood gas analysis
Other tests may be needed to determine the cause of the acidosis.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at the health problem causing the acidosis. In some cases, sodium bicarbonate (the chemical in baking soda) may be given to reduce the acidity of the blood. Often, you will receive lots of fluids through your vein.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook will depend on the underlying disease causing the condition.
Possible Complications
Very severe metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Seek medical help if you have symptoms of any disease that can cause metabolic acidosis.
Prevention
Diabetic ketoacidosis can be prevented by keeping type 1 diabetes under control.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there is a high level of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
References
Krapf R, Seldin DW, Alpern RJ. Clinical syndromes of metabolic acidosis. In: Alpern RJl, Orson WM, Caplan M, eds. Seldin and Giebisch's The Kidney . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 59.
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 118.
-
Insulin production and diabetes - illustration
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is necessary for cells to be able to use blood sugar.
Insulin production and diabetes
illustration
Review Date: 11/1/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
