Acidosis occurs because of excessive acid in body fluids. The acid buildup can disrupt the functioning of the lungs and kidneys, which help keep a balance of acid chemicals and bicarbonate base in the body. The two types of acidosis are respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis. Symptoms of metabolic acidosis include nausea, vomiting, fatigue and faster or deeper breathing. Headaches, confusion and slow breathing may result from respiratory acidosis. Drugs and ventilators treat patients with respiratory acidosis. Doctors focus on the underlying conditions that cause it.
Excess Carbon Dioxide
Too much carbon dioxide, which is an acid, may cause respiratory acidosis, MedlinePlus says. People who suffer from respiratory acidosis have a decreased ability to remove carbon dioxide from the body because of ineffective breathing. Respiratory acidosis results from chronic lung diseases that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, severe pneumonia and asthma. Chest injuries or deformities, muscle weakness in the chest and overdosing on sedatives may cause respiratory acidosis. Some diseases of the brain or nervous system may impair breathing and lead to respiratory acidosis.
Excess Acid
Excessive amounts of acid result from overproduction of acid or when the kidneys are unable to remove enough acid from the body, causing metabolic acidosis. Diabetic acidosis occurs from a buildup of acid compounds called ketones. This may happen in uncontrolled diabetes. The body builds up excess acid in poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes, in which patients need to take insulin injections. Loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body, often because of severe diarrhea, causes hyperchloremic acidosis. Diabetic acidosis and hyperchloremic acidosis are forms of metabolic acidosis. Kidney disease or severe dehydration may cause acid buildup and metabolic acidosis. Ingestion of poisonous substances, such as wood alcohol, antifreeze and large doses of aspirin, can cause metabolic acidosis, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Lactic Acid Buildup
Lactic acidosis, another form of metabolic acidosis, develops from a buildup of lactic acid. Alcohol, cancer or exercising strenuously for long periods can lead to lactic acidosis. The disorder also results from liver failure, certain medications, low blood sugar--also called hypoglycemia--seizures and extended lack of oxygen because of severe anemia, shock or heart failure. The body may produce too much acid in advanced stages of shock.
