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Metabolic acidosis

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Illustrations

Insulin production and diabetes
Insulin production and diabetes

Alternative names    Return to top

Acidosis - metabolic

Definition    Return to top

Metabolic acidosis is a disturbance of the body acid-base balance in which there is excessive acidity of the blood. Metabolic acidosis can occur as a result of many different conditions, such as kidney failure, poisoning, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and shock.

Many of these conditions are life-threatening. If severe, metabolic acidosis may lead to shock or death. In some situations, metabolic acidosis can be a mild, chronic condition.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Many different diseases and medical conditions can lead to metabolic acidosis. For example, diabetes mellitus type 1 (juvenile diabetes), when out of control, leads to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Kidney failure is another important cause of metabolic acidosis. Ingestion of toxic substances, such as antifreeze or excessive amounts of aspirin, can also lead to metabolic acidosis. Shock (extremely low blood pressure) can also cause this condition.

Symptoms    Return to top

Most symptoms are caused by the disease or condition that is causing the metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis itself usually causes rapid breathing. Confusion or lethargy may also occur.

Signs and tests    Return to top

Blood tests to diagnose metabolic acidosis may include:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment 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)    Return to top

The prognosis of metabolic acidosis depends on the underlying disease.

Complications    Return to top

When very severe, metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death.

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call your health care provider, or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms of any disease that causes metabolic acidosis appear.

Prevention    Return to top

Keeping diabetes mellitus type 1 under control may avoid many cases of metabolic acidosis. Avoid ingesting toxic materials.

Update Date: 1/27/2004

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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