Metabolic Acidosis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Metabolic Acidosis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

TOPICS: Metabolic Acidosis: Causes Symptoms And Treatments


Metabolic Acidosis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Metabolic acidosis refers to a condition in which the body's acid-base balance disrupted due to increased acid production or decreased excretion and decreased production of bicarbonate. This condition can eventually lead to acidemia or acidity of the blood, in which arterial pH drops below 7.35. If this condition is not treated, it can affect the central nervous system and lead to coma and even death.
Acid is usually produced as a byproduct in a number of activities including the breakdown of fat metabolism. Normal balance between acids and bases managed by bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acid, thereby preventing excessive accumulation of acid. Therefore, the factors that contribute to one of excess acid production or decreased production of normal bicarbonate may cause metabolic acidosis.
Cause
Metabolic acidosis is caused by increased levels of acid due to increased production of acid or acid digest or substances that can be converted into acid.
It can also be caused by:
The loss of bicarbonate such as in cases of diarrhea and renal tubular acidosis.
Ingesting large amounts of substances such as antifreeze, aspirin, etc. It can also increase the level of acid in our body.

The accumulation of lactic acid is another contributing factor. This usually occurs because of the availability of sufficient oxygen in the metabolism of carbohydrates, such as in the case of heart failure and shock.
Malaria can also be responsible for this condition by destroying red blood cells and thus reduce the level of oxygen in the body. This in turn results in the accumulation of lactic acid due to anaerobic breakdown of glucose or carbohydrates. Acidosis type known as lactic acidosis.
The metabolic abnormalities can cause acidosis. The use of fat rather than carbohydrates, to reduce energy, such as in the case of diabetes mellitus, may lead to excessive production of acid. The breakdown of fat produces ketones and increase the level of acid in the body. This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Sometimes, such as pH imbalance can occur even without the excessive production of acid. For example, in the case of people suffering from kidney failure, the kidneys may fail to remove the acid in the urine.
Conditions such as alcoholism and malnutrition are also associated with this condition.
symptom
Although metabolic acidosis is usually characterized by rapid breathing, symptoms may be nonspecific, and may vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms are:
Chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations, muscle and bone pain, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, etc.
Lactic acidosis is sometimes characterized by low blood pressure and anemia.
In diabetic ketoacidosis, patients may suffer from high blood sugar and dehydration. As this condition can affect the central nervous system, individuals may experience anxiety and progressive drowsiness. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss are some other symptoms.
In extreme conditions, can lead to severe complications such as fainting, coma, and seizures.
Treatment

Doctors generally perform blood tests such as blood gas analysis and a complete blood count to diagnose the condition. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. However, if the blood pH drops below 7.1, the conditions may require administration of intravenous bicarbonate to neutralize the acid.
In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary. Mechanical ventilation is also used to relieve breathing problems.
Monitor and control the factors responsible for causing this condition is the best way to prevent the condition from worsening. Like for example, control of causes such as diabetes can help control the disease in patients with diabetes. Metabolic acidosis is often a symptom of some serious diseases such as kidney failure and heart disease and diabetes. So the proper monitoring of the symptoms of this condition will be very helpful in preventing complications.