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Acidosis

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Anonymous

14y ago
Updated: 6/7/2024
Definition

Acidosis is a condition in which there is excessive acid in the body fluids. It is the opposite of alkalosis (a condition in which there is excessive base in the body fluids).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The kidneys and lungs maintain the balance (proper pH level) of chemicals called acids and bases in the body. Acidosis occurs when acid builds up or when bicarbonate (a base) is lost. Acidosis is classified as either respiratory acidosis or metabolic acidosis.

Respiratory acidosis develops when there is too much carbon dioxide (an acid) in the body. This type of acidosis is usually caused by a decreased ability to remove carbon dioxide from the body through effective breathing. Other names for respiratory acidosis are hypercapnic acidosis and carbon dioxide acidosis. Causes of respiratory acidosis include:

  • Chest deformities, such as kyphosis
  • Chest injuries
  • Chest muscle weakness
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Overuse of sedative drugs

Metabolic acidosis develops when too much acid is produced or when the kidneys cannot remove enough acid from the body. There are several types of metabolic acidosis:

  • Diabetic acidosis (also called diabetic ketoacidosis and DKA) develops when substances called ketone bodies (which are acidic) build up during uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Hyperchloremic acidosis results from excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body, as can happen with severe diarrhea.
  • Lactic acidosisis a buildup of lactic acid. This can be caused by:
    • Alcohol
    • Cancer
    • Exercising vigorously for a very long time
    • Liver failure
    • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    • Medications such as salicylates
    • Prolonged lack of oxygen from shock, heart failure, or severe anemia
    • Seizures

Other causes of metabolic acidosis include:

Symptoms

See: Metabolic acidosis or Respiratory acidosis

Signs and tests
  • Arterial or venous blood gas analysis
  • Serum electrolytes
  • Urine pH

An arterial blood gas analysis or serum electrolytes test, such as a basic metabolic panel, will confirm that acidosis is present and indicate whether it is metabolic acidosis or respiratory acidosis. Other tests may be needed to determine the cause of the acidosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. See the specific types of acidosis.

Expectations (prognosis)

Acidosis can be dangerous if untreated. Many cases respond well to treatment.

Complications

See the specific types of acidosis.

Calling your health care provider

Although there are several types of acidosis, all will cause symptoms that require treatment by your health care provider.

Prevention

Prevention depends on the cause of the acidosis. Normally, people with healthy kidneys and lungs do not experience significant acidosis.

References

Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 119.

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14y ago

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Continue Learning about Chemistry

Is Acidosis defined as a blood pH less than normal?

Yes, acidosis is defined as a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. It occurs due to an excess of acid or a decrease in bicarbonate levels in the blood. Acidosis can be classified into respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis based on the underlying cause.


What is the most common cause of acid base imbalance?

The most common cause of acid-base imbalance is respiratory alkalosis or acidosis, often due to hyperventilation or respiratory failure. Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis can also occur from conditions such as renal failure, diabetes, or dehydration.


What is the most common cause of acid-base imbalance?

The most common cause of acid-base imbalance is respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, which occurs due to abnormal levels of carbon dioxide in the blood resulting from lung conditions such as COPD or asthma. Other common causes include metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, which result from kidney dysfunction or electrolyte imbalances.


What happens if the blood pH decreases below normal?

If the blood pH decreases below normal (below 7.35), it is known as acidosis. This can lead to symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Severe acidosis can be life-threatening if not corrected promptly.


Metabolic acidosis?

DefinitionMetabolic acidosis is a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids.Alternative NamesAcidosis - metabolicCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMetabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid, or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body. There are several types of metablic acidosis:Diabetic acidosis (also called diabetic ketoacidosis and DKA) develops when substances known as ketone bodies, which are acidic, build up during uncontrolled diabetesHyperchloremic acidosis results from excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body, as can happen with severe diarrheaLactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid. It can be caused by: AlcoholCancerExercising for a very long timeLiver failureLow blood sugar (hypoglycemia)Medications such as salicylatesProlonged lack of oxygen from shock, heart failure, or severe anemiaSeizuresOther causes of metabolic acidosis include:Kidney disease(distal tubular acidosis and proximal renal tubular acidosis)Poisoning by aspirin, ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze), or methanolSevere dehydrationSymptomsMost symptoms are caused by the underlying disease or condition that is causing the metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis itself usually causes rapid breathing. Confusion or lethargy may also occur. Severe metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death. In some situations, metabolic acidosis can be a mild, chronic (ongoing) condition.Signs and testsArterial blood gasSerum electrolytesUrine pHArterial blood gas analysis or a serum electrolytes test (such as a basic metabolic panel) will confirm acidosis is present and determine whether it is respiratory acidosis or metabolic acidosis.Other test may be needed to determine the cause of the acidosis.TreatmentTreatment is aimed at the underlying condition. In certain circumstances, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) may be given to improve the acidity of the blood.Expectations (prognosis)What can be expected will depend on the underlying disease causing the metabolic acidosis.ComplicationsWhen very severe, metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death.Calling your health care providerSeek medical treatment if you develop symptoms of any disease that can cause metabolic acidosis.PreventionKeeping type 1 diabetes under control may help prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, one type of metabolic acidosis.ReferencesSeifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 119.

Related Questions

Does rebreathing result in acidosis or alkalosis?

Acidosis


Examples of acidosis?

Acidosis is high levels of acidity in the blood and other body tissue, occuring when the arterial pH falls below 7.35. The two types of acidosis are metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis.


What is the definition of acidosis?

Acidosis is an increased acidity in the blood


Causes of metabolic acidosis in burns?

Acidosis following thermal injury is common, and is most pronounced on admission. The acidosis is usually compensated by respiratory alkalosis. Acidosis develops within hours after > 30% burns. Has both metabolic and respiratory components. Former due to products of heat-damaged tissues and relative hypoxia.


What is the Medical term meaning decreased blood pH?

Usually, this acidity is caused by metabolism or respiration. Then it is called " respiratory acidosis" or "non-respiratory acidosis" (metabolic acidosis). These conditions might cause acidemia.


Is Acidosis defined as a blood pH less than normal?

Yes, acidosis is defined as a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. It occurs due to an excess of acid or a decrease in bicarbonate levels in the blood. Acidosis can be classified into respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis based on the underlying cause.


High levels of ketones in the blood can lead to diabetes insipidushigh pH of urine or acidosis.?

acidosis


What is the prognosis of renal tubular acidosis?

The prognosis is good for someone who has renal tubular acidosis and they are receiving the right treatments. They will need high doses of bicarbonate and correction of the acidosis and potassium levels are required.


What would cause metabolic alkalosis to slide into metabolic acidosis?

respiratory alkalosis would cause metabolic acidosis


Arterial blood with a pH below 7.35 is called?

7.35 pH is normal and 7.0 is acidic.


What is the medical application of acidosis?

Acidosis is a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the blood, which can lead to various health issues such as confusion, fatigue, and even coma in severe cases. It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of acidosis, which can be caused by conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes, or respiratory issues. Treatment may involve correcting the acid-base imbalance through medications or intravenous fluids.


What is the outcome of ketosis?

Metabolic acidosis