Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is acidosis?
- How common is this condition?
- Signs and Symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of acidic body fluids?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes this condition to occur?
- Triggers
- What puts me at risk for this condition?
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- How is this condition diagnosed?
- How is this condition handled?
- Prevention
- What can I do to prevent and treat this condition?
Definition
What is acidosis?
Acidosis is a condition in which body fluids are too acidic. This condition occurs when your kidneys and lungs are unable to maintain the pH balance of the body. In the body itself, there are actually many processes that produce acid. The two most common types of acidosis are metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis.
The acidity of the blood is measured by determining the pH level. The lower the pH number, the more acidic your blood will be. On the contrary, the higher the pH, the more alkaline the blood properties.
Even a slight difference in the pH value in the blood can have serious consequences. The condition of too acidic blood in the body can cause various health problems, even life-threatening.
How common is this condition?
This condition is very common and can occur at any age. To handle it, you can reduce or avoid the factors that trigger it. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of acidic body fluids?
Respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis share many symptoms in common. However, generally, the symptoms of acidosis can vary based on the cause.
Some of the common symptoms of respiratory acidosis include:
- Fatigue
- Tiring easily
- Dazed
- Hard to breathe
- Drowsiness
- Headache
Some of the symptoms of metabolic acidosis include:
- Breathing fast and short
- Dazed
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Decreased appetite
- Jaundice
- Increased heart rate
- Breath that smells fruity, which is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes this condition to occur?
Respiratory acidosis occurs when too much CO2 (carbon dioxide) builds up in the body. Normally, your lungs will release CO2 when you breathe. However, sometimes the body can't excrete enough CO2. This can occur due to:
- Chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma
- Injury to the chest
- Obesity, which can make breathing difficult
- Sedative abuse
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Weakness of the chest muscles
- Nervous system problems
- Chest structural abnormalities
In contrast to respiratory (respiratory), metabolic acidosis starts in the kidneys, not the lungs. This occurs when the kidneys can't eliminate enough acid or when the kidneys excrete too much base. There are three types of acidity of body fluids due to metabolic processes, namely:
- Diabetic acidosis occurs in people with diabetes that is not well controlled. When your body lacks insulin, ketones will build up in and make the blood acidic.
- Hyperchloremic acidosis occurs due to loss of sodium bicarbonate. This alkaline substance helps to keep the blood neutral. Diarrhea and vomiting can be the cause.
- Lactic acidosis occurs when there is too much lactic acid in the body. Many things can cause lactic acid buildup. These include chronic alcohol use, heart failure, cancer, seizures, liver failure, prolonged lack of oxygen, and low blood sugar. Even excess exercise can also cause lactic acid buildup.
Triggers
What puts me at risk for this condition?
There are many trigger factors that put a person at risk for this condition, including:
- A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet
- Kidney failure
- Obesity
- Dehydration
- Aspirin or methanol poisoning
- Diabetes
Diagnosis and Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is this condition diagnosed?
The doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Some laboratory tests may also be performed, including:
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Electrolyte tests, such as a simple metabolic panel to confirm acidosis and show whether the condition is metabolic or respiratory acidosis.
If you are diagnosed with respiratory acidosis, your doctor will check the health of your lungs. This can include chest x-rays or lung function tests.
However, if you are diagnosed with acidity due to metabolic processes, you may need to provide a urine sample. Your doctor will check the pH to see if you are eliminating acids and bases properly. Additional tests may be needed to determine the cause.
How is this condition handled?
Doctors usually need to know the cause of too acidic your body fluids in order to determine the appropriate treatment. However, several treatments can be used for any type of acidosis. For example, a doctor can give sodium bicarbonate to increase the pH of the blood. This can be done by mouth or intravenously.
Respiratory acidosis
Treatments for this condition are usually designed to help your lungs. For example, you can be given medication to dilate the airways. You can also be given oxygen or a device Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The CPAP device can help you breathe if you have airway obstruction or muscle weakness.
Metabolic acidosis
Given the many types, handling is also different. People with hyperchloremic acidosis can be given sodium bicarbonate orally or with sodium citrate if the cause is renal failure.
Diabetics with ketoacidosis can receive intravenous fluids and insulin to balance the pH. Meanwhile, treatment for this condition that occurs due to the accumulation of lactic acid can include bicarbonate supplements, intravenous fluids, oxygen or antibiotics, depending on the cause.
Prevention
What can I do to prevent and treat this condition?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with your body's fluid levels that are too acidic:
- Use sedatives (tranquilizers) as prescribed and do not mix with alcohol.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can damage the lungs and make breathing less effective.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can make breathing difficult.
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and other fluids.
- Take control of diabetes. If you maintain blood sugar levels properly, you can prevent ketoacidosis.
- Stop drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol over a long period of time can cause a buildup of lactic acid
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
