The body must maintain a proper acid/base balance to sustain life. Lactic acidosis is an excess of lactic acid in the body, primarily in the bloodstream. It causes one type of metabolic acidosis, a state where the blood and body tissues are too acidic. If mild, this may self-correct, but severe lactic acidosis requires medical intervention to correct the underlying cause.
Strenuous Exercise
Strenuous exercise, such as long-distance running, long-distance swimming or rowing a boat for a long period of time, is one potential cause of lactic acidosis, explains Acid-Base Physiology. This is due to the skeletal muscles releasing large amounts of lactic acid during times they are highly active. Taking recovery breaks during activity can reduce the likelihood of lactic acidosis.
Seizures
Prolonged seizures, called grand mal seizures, can cause lactic acidosis. This occurs when the muscles convulse for an extended period of time, leaving them deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen because the body cannot meet the muscles' oxygen needs. As a result, they burn glucose in the absence of oxygen, which causes excess lactic acid, according to the University of Connecticut.
Liver Problems
The liver is the chief metabolizer of lactic acid. When an individual has cirrhosis or liver failure, the liver's poor functioning may allow an excessive amount of lactic acid to build up in the blood. This usually only happens when another stressor is present, such as alcohol abuse, external or internal bleeding or an infection in the blood.
Shock
Some types of shock can cause lactic acidosis. This occurs when perfusion is low due to extremely low blood pressure or a decreased blood volume, causing lactic acid to build up in the bloodstream due to blood not adequately flowing through the liver and kidneys. Shock of this nature may be precipitated by massive bleeding, an overwhelming infection or another medical crisis.
Body Temperature Fluctuations
Fever may cause lactic acidosis, explains the book Medical-Surgical Nursing. At the other end of the spectrum, a low body temperature, called hypothermia, can also lead to the condition. Hypothermia causes lactic acidosis because it results in poor circulation at the microscopic level and excessive muscular movement during shivering.
Ischemic Bowel
The intestines require a blood supply to provide them with nutrients. If a portion of the bowel does not have adequate circulation, it can become stressed or die, a condition known as an ischemic bowel. Bowel ischemia can cause lactic acidosis, explains Acid-Base Physiology.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- Acid Base Physiology: Lactic Acidosis
- MedlinePlus: Lactic Acidosis
- University of Connecticut: Acid Base Online Tutorial: Lactic Acidosis
