Table of contents:
- Types of acidosis based on the cause
- 1. Respiratory acidosis
- 2. Metabolic acidosis
- Risk factors for acidosis (body fluids are too acidic)
- Symptoms of acidosis
- Complications that can be triggered by acidosis
- How is acidosis diagnosed?
- Prevention and countermeasures
Acidosis occurs when the body's chemical balance of acids and bases is imbalanced. Acidosis is a condition in which body fluids are too acidic due to storage and production of too much acid or not having enough alkaline fluids to balance the acid. Most cases of acidosis are harmless but in some cases they can be life threatening.
Types of acidosis based on the cause
The kidneys and lungs play a role in maintaining the balance of acids and alkalis in the body. Disorders of these two organs can cause two types of acidosis conditions (body fluids are too acidic), including:
1. Respiratory acidosis
Also known as hypercapnic acidosis or carbon dioxide acidosis, it is an acidosis condition that occurs when there is too much carbon dioxide gas (CO2) because the body cannot excrete this gas through the breathing process. This type of acidosis is triggered by several things, including:
- Chronic respiratory tract disorders
- Injury or injury to the chest area
- Obesity that triggers difficulty breathing
- Sedative drug abuse
- Excess alcohol consumption
- The muscles in the chest area are too weak
- Disorders of the nervous system
- Defects in the chest
2. Metabolic acidosis
Is a type of acidosis that begins with disorders of the kidney. This occurs when the kidneys cannot excrete enough acid or too much alkaline fluid. More specifically, metabolic acidosis can be divided into several types:
- Diabetic acidosis - occurs when diabetes is out of control where a lack of the hormone insulin causes the concentration of ketone compounds to increase and tends to accumulate and make the body more acidic.
- Hyperchloremic acidosis - caused by loss of sodium bicarbonate, a compound that keeps blood pH normal. A symptom of diarrhea and vomiting can cause this type of acidosis.
- Lactic acidosis - occurs when there is too much lactic acid in the body. It is triggered by excessive alcohol consumption, heart failure, cancer, seizures, liver failure, prolonged lack of oxygen and hypoglycemia. This condition can also occur when a person is exercising too long.
- Tubular renal acidosis - occurs when the kidneys are unable to get rid of acid in the urine and the blood becomes too acidic.
Risk factors for acidosis (body fluids are too acidic)
Several factors that can contribute to increasing the risk of developing acidosis include:
- Consumption of high fat and consuming too little carbohydrates
- Experiencing kidney failure
- Experiencing obesity
- Experiencing dehydration
- Experiencing poisoning with methanol and aspirin alcohol compounds
- Have diabetes
Symptoms of acidosis
Respiratory acidosis trigger several symptoms including:
- Easy to feel tired and easily sleepy
- Often feel confused
- Difficulty breathing
- Frequent headaches
While metabolic acidosis cause symptoms:
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Pant
- Decreased appetite
- Easily tired and sleepy
- Fruit-scented breath, which is a typical symptom of diabetic acidosis
Complications that can be triggered by acidosis
Without proper treatment, the condition of acidosis, in which the body fluids are too acidic, can occur for a long time and can cause health problems such as kidney stones, chronic kidney problems, kidney failure, bone health problems, and growth retardation.
How is acidosis diagnosed?
Acidosis can be diagnosed by a doctor through several blood tests such as:
- Gas examination of the arterial blood vessels to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Check blood pH.
- Check kidney function and pH balance.
- Check calcium, protein, blood sugar and electrolyte levels.
Prevention and countermeasures
The main prevention of acidosis is maintaining the health of the lungs and kidneys by:
- Cut down on alcohol consumption.
- Use sedatives according to the rules.
- Avoid smoking behavior.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Get enough fluids.
- Control your diabetes regularly, if you have diabetes.
Treatment of acidosis can depend on the specific disorder that causes a rise in pH in the body. Respiratory acidosis is treated by restoring lung function by administering drugs or oxygen therapy using a device continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) if the respiratory tract has obstruction or muscle weakness. Meanwhile, the treatment for metabolic acidosis varies depending on the cause.
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