Blood acidosis is a condition characterized by too much acid in the blood. Acid buildup may be due to an excess production of acid or a decreased production of bicarbonate, the compound that neutralizes acid. Blood acidosis can also occur as a result of a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Types
There are two types of blood acidosis: metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys do not function properly, according to Medline Plus. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove sufficient carbon dioxide from the body, resulting in an increase in blood acidity. Respiratory acidosis is also called hypercapnic acidosis or carbon dioxide acidosis.
Causes
The cause of blood acidosis depends on the type of acidosis. Causes of metabolic acidosis include complications from diabetes, certain drugs or poisons, such as aspirin and methanol, kidney malfunction or failure and buildup of lactic acid. Lactic acid buildup can occur as a result of alcohol use, intense exercise, low blood sugar, seizures, lack of oxygen or cancer. Metabolic acidosis can also be caused by a loss of bicarbonate from the body due to diarrhea, according to Medline Plus. Causes of respiratory acidosis include chest injuries, chronic lung diseases, abuse of sedatives, or diseases of the nerves or muscles that disturb normal breathing, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Symptoms
The varying types of blood acidosis produce different symptoms. Metabolic acidosis causes nausea, fatigue, vomiting, confusion and lethargy. It is also characterized by short, rapid breaths. Severe, untreated metabolic acidosis can lead to shock, coma or death. Respiratory acidosis results in confusion, fatigue, headache, drowsiness and stupor. Severe cases of respiratory acidosis can result in a coma.
Diagnosis
In order to properly diagnose blood acidosis, a doctor will take a blood sample and then measure the pH of that sample. A pH of less than 7.35 will result in a diagnosis of blood acidosis. Bicarbonate and carbon dioxide levels will also be measured. The blood sample should be taken from an artery, not a vein, because venous blood normally carries a high level of bicarbonate, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The most commonly used artery is the radial artery, located in the wrist.
Treatment
In mild causes, acidosis is treated directly with an injection of intravenous fluids containing the proper level of bases to neutralize the acid, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Treatment of more severe cases of acidosis is aimed at the underlying disease or condition, according to Medline Plus. Treatment of metabolic acidosis may include control of diabetes with insulin or the removal of poisonous material from the blood. Treatment of respiratory acidosis may include medications that open the airways, ventilators and supplemental oxygen.
