MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Alcoholic ketoacidosis

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Alcoholic ketoacidosis

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Alternative names

Ketoacidosis - alcoholic

Definition Return to top

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is an accumulation of ketones (a type of acid) in the blood, caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

This disorder can be a complication of alcohol use, especially excessive alcohol use.

Symptoms Return to top

Fatigue
low, sluggish, lethargic movement
Breathing difficulty leading, when untreated, to an abnormal breathing pattern
Irregular deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul's)
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness and light headedness
Confusion
Agitation
Changes in mental activity leading to loss of consciousness

Signs and tests Return to top

Blood and urine tests for excess acids, or ketones, in the body
Blood chemistry tests
Tests to quantify the amount of alcohol in the blood

Treatment Return to top

Treatment in the hospital with intravenous fluids and frequent blood draws may be necessary to reverse the acidosis. Occasionally patients require intensive care unit stays.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Prompt medical attention improves the overall prognosis of this condition.

Complications Return to top

This can be a life-threatening disorder.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

If you, a family member, or a friend have symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis, seek medical attention from an emergency department.

Prevention Return to top

Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels.

Update Date: 8/18/2003

Updated by: David Webner, M.D., Sports Medicine Fellow, Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Program, Springfield, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.