Complications Of Metabolic Acidosis

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, metabolic acidosis is defined as too much acid in the body fluids. This buildup of acid can result from an increased acid production or acid ingestion, decreased acid excretion or loss of bicarbonate from the gut or kidneys. Metabolic acidosis is a very serious condition that alters the blood's pH level and, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening issues.

pH

The lungs and the kidneys work together to maintain the proper balance of acids and bases in the body. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and each stepwise increase or decrease represents a tenfold difference. At a pH of 7, a solution is neutral. As the numbers decrease from 7, the amount of acid in a solution increases; the lower the number, the more acidic a solution is. A pH above 7 is considered basic, or alkaline, and as the number increases, so does the alkalinity of a solution. Different fluids in the body have different pH levels. Blood however, is at a near neutral number of 7.35-7.45. Even a slight increase or decrease could result in major complications, according to the textbook "Anatomy & Physiology."

Types of Metabolic Acidosis

Diabetic acidosis, also known as diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, occurs when acidic substances, known as ketone bodies, build up during a diabetic crisis or starvation. Lactic acidosis is the accumulation of lactic acid caused by ingestion of too much alcohol, cancer, intense exercise, liver failure, hypoglycemia, certain medications, seizures or lack of oxygen from heart failure, shock or anemia. Hyperchloremic acidosis usually takes place in cases of severe diarrhea when the body losses excessive sodium bicarbonate, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other possible causes include severe dehydration, kidney disease, aspirin poisoning or toxin ingestion.

Symptoms

The most common symptom seen with metabolic acidosis is rapid breathing. This occurs when the lungs attempt to compensate by "blowing off" carbon dioxide in an effort rid the blood of excess acid and restore normal blood pH levels. Other symptoms are confusion or lethargy, says Medline Plus.

Treatment

According to Medline Plus, "Treatment is aimed at the underlying condition. In certain circumstances, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) may be given to improve the acidity of the blood."

Complications

The blood pH limits that support life are a low of 7.0 and a high of 7.8. If blood pH falls below 7.0, the central nervous system becomes severely depressed and results in coma. If levels are not restored quickly, death will follow shortly thereafter.