It is a condition characterized by excess acid in body fluids.
Causes and Risk FactorsThe acid-base balance of the body (pH) is regulated by the kidneys and lungs. Acidosis is caused by a buildup of acid or a significant loss of bicarbonate. The main types of acidosis are respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis.
The human body is programmed to correct for either respiratory or metabolic acidosis to maintain normal pH. For example, if acidosis is caused by excess carbon dioxide is an acid that the body will correct the pH by retaining bicarbonate, which is a basis.
Respiratory acidosis develops when there is excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the body, due mainly to a decrease in breathing. Other names for this include hypercapnic acidosis and carbon dioxide acidosis.
There are several types of metabolic acidosis: lactic acidosis, also called diabetic ketoacidosis and DKA develops when ketone bodies accumulate during uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Hyperchloremic acidosis results from excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body, as for example with severe diarrhea.
Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid, which can be caused by many conditions, including prolonged lack of oxygen (for example, shock, heart failure or severe anemia), prolonged exercise, seizures, hypoglycemia (low sugar blood), alcohol, liver failure, malignancy, or certain medications like salicylates.
Other causes of metabolic acidosis include severe dehydration resulting in decreased muscle perfusion (decreased blood flow), kidney disease (see distal renal tubular acidosis and proximal renal tubular acidosis) and other metabolic diseases.
SymptomsSee the specific types of acidosis.Signs and tests
An analysis of blood gases or blood chemistry (such as basic blood chemistry analysis), will confirm acidosis in most cases. Other tests may be required to determine the cause of acidosis.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause. See specific types of acidosis.Expectations (prognosis)
Acidosis can be dangerous if not treated. Many of the causes respond well to treatment.
ComplicationsSee the specific types of acidosis.Calling your health care
Although there are several types of acidosis, all will cause symptoms that require medical treatment. See the specific types of acidosis.
PreventionPrevention or treatment of the underlying causes may prevent some cases of acidosis.
source: clinicadam.com
READ MORE - Acidosis
Causes and Risk FactorsThe acid-base balance of the body (pH) is regulated by the kidneys and lungs. Acidosis is caused by a buildup of acid or a significant loss of bicarbonate. The main types of acidosis are respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis.
The human body is programmed to correct for either respiratory or metabolic acidosis to maintain normal pH. For example, if acidosis is caused by excess carbon dioxide is an acid that the body will correct the pH by retaining bicarbonate, which is a basis.
Respiratory acidosis develops when there is excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the body, due mainly to a decrease in breathing. Other names for this include hypercapnic acidosis and carbon dioxide acidosis.
There are several types of metabolic acidosis: lactic acidosis, also called diabetic ketoacidosis and DKA develops when ketone bodies accumulate during uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Hyperchloremic acidosis results from excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body, as for example with severe diarrhea.
Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid, which can be caused by many conditions, including prolonged lack of oxygen (for example, shock, heart failure or severe anemia), prolonged exercise, seizures, hypoglycemia (low sugar blood), alcohol, liver failure, malignancy, or certain medications like salicylates.
Other causes of metabolic acidosis include severe dehydration resulting in decreased muscle perfusion (decreased blood flow), kidney disease (see distal renal tubular acidosis and proximal renal tubular acidosis) and other metabolic diseases.
SymptomsSee the specific types of acidosis.Signs and tests
An analysis of blood gases or blood chemistry (such as basic blood chemistry analysis), will confirm acidosis in most cases. Other tests may be required to determine the cause of acidosis.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause. See specific types of acidosis.Expectations (prognosis)
Acidosis can be dangerous if not treated. Many of the causes respond well to treatment.
ComplicationsSee the specific types of acidosis.Calling your health care
Although there are several types of acidosis, all will cause symptoms that require medical treatment. See the specific types of acidosis.
PreventionPrevention or treatment of the underlying causes may prevent some cases of acidosis.
source: clinicadam.com
