Acidosis is a condition in which the acid level of the blood is too high. There are three types of acidosis: metabolic; metabolic lactic; and respiratory. The cause of both metabolic acidosis and metabolic lactic acidosis is an imbalanced metabolism. The cause of respiratory acidosis is a slower-than-normal breathing rate or a lung problem. Specific remedies depend on the cause of the acidosis.
Metabolic Acidosis
Several medical conditions cause metabolic acidosis. According to Merck, metabolic acidosis is a side effect of diabetes. Apple seed and strychnine poisoning, necrotizing enterocolitis and kidney problems also cause metabolic acidosis. The treatment for metabolic acidosis differs with each condition. Insulin helps balance blood acidity in diabetes. Acid levels are balanced when poisons and drugs are removed from the system by standard detoxification methods. Certain substances bind to poisons so they can be safely removed from the system, in a process called chelation; EDTA and chlorella are commonly used in detoxification by chelation. The kidneys control the levels of potassium in the blood. If potassium is low, the blood becomes acidic.
Alkaline substances reduce acid levels. MedlinePlus says ingestion of potassium citrate and sodium bicarbonate, both of which are alkaline substances, re-balances acid levels in the blood. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a disease of premature infants in which sections of the intestines become inflamed and die. The only treatment for acidosis in relationship to necrotizing enterocolitis is antibiotics or surgery to correct the intestinal problem, which eventually balances the acid-alkaline levels.
Metabolic Lactic Acidosis
MedlinePlus also states that alcohol ingestion, cancer, severe dehydration and hypoglycemia all cause lactic acidosis. Treatment of the acidosis in these cases is secondary. The main focus of treatment is on the primary disease. In all cases, acidosis improves with the ingestion of sodium bicarbonate. In the case of dehydration, acid-alkaline balance is achieved after hydration with an appropriate mineral containing fluids. Alcohol ingestion requires re-hydration along with bicarbonate or mineral supplementation. When hypoglycemia is corrected through diet, the acidosis will correct itself. Symptomatic treatment with sodium bicarbonate may be required when battling cancer in order to maintain an acid-alkaline balance.
Respiratory Acidosis
The lungs play a role in controlling the acid-base balance of the blood. Merck says any condition that compromises the breathing will affect the acid levels in the blood. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis and severe asthma all affect the breathing and create acidosis. There is no cure for any of these lung conditions, so avoiding lung irritants and taking bronchodilators increases breathing capacity and improves acidosis.
Member Comments