The kidneys and lungs are responsible for maintaining the proper pH level of acids and bases in the body. Acidosis occurs when the acid builds up in the blood or when bicarbonate, a base, is lost. The body produces lactic acid mainly in the muscle cells and red blood cells; it forms when the body breaks down carbohydrates to use for energy when oxygen levels are low. Lactic acidosis occurs when oxygen levels drop and lactic acid proliferates in the blood stream faster than the kidneys can remove it, notes MedlinePlus from the National Institutes of Health.
Causes
Lactic acidosis occurs most often from intense exercise but, as MedlinePlus explains, lactic acidosis may also occur due to respiratory failure, sepsis, cancer, AIDS, low blood sugar, alcohol, seizures, heart failure, severe anemia and kidney failure. The diabetes medication, metformin, in rare cases, has also been shown to cause lactic acidosis, especially in patients with kidney disease or alcoholism.
Risks
Athletes or people who exercise for extended periods are at risk for developing lactic acidosis. Patients who have a compromised immune system from a critical illness such as cancer, AIDS or diabetes also have an increased risk for developing lactic acidosis.
Symptoms
Often lactic acidosis shows no symptoms and patients are only diagnosed during blood tests for other complaints. When symptoms are present, they commonly include nausea and weakness, according to MedlinePlus. Other signs of lactic acidosis can include nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, shock, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, severe anemia, irregular heart rhythms and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
The New York Times Health Guide explains that the most common way to diagnose lactic acidosis is through a blood test that checks the lactic acid levels in the blood. Physicians also commonly check serum electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and bicarbonate levels as well as a creatinine and a blood urea nitrogen test, or BUN, to evaluate kidney function. Patients may also undergo an arterial blood gas test to evaluate the oxygenation and acid or base levels in the blood.
Treatment
Lactic acidosis can be a life-threatening disorder and emergency hospitalization is often required. Physicians will commonly prescribe sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the acid in the blood and intravenous saline to hydrate the patient. In some cases, it may be necessary to put the patient on dialysis to pull the lactic acid from the blood, especially in the case of metformin-related lactic acidosis.
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