Metabolic acidosis is an increase in acid in the body from ingestion of an acid or a substance that is known to breakdown or metabolize to an acid. Metabolic acidosis also occurs in severe conditions where there is inadequate oxygen delivery to cells of the body. Elevated potassium, or hyperkalemia, is also present in metabolic acidosis.
How the Body Deals with Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis are two major forms of acidosis that occur in the body. Each form of acidosis have different causes and are handled by the body differently. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is a problem with oxygenation of the blood at the lungs. When acidosis is caused by the lungs, a different organ in the body has to correct the acidosis; that organ is the kidney. The opposite is true for metabolic acidosis; the lungs have to correct the acidosis.
Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis can occur in the body without producing symptoms. Nausea, vomiting and fatigue are symptoms that can occur. Tachypnea, or deeper and faster breathing, can also occur in metabolic acidosis. Increased rate of breathing reflects the body's attempt to correct the acidosis. Shock, coma or even death can even occur when acidosis is severe.
Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
Antifreeze, wood alcohol and aspirin are substances that can lead to metabolic acidosis when ingested. Ketoacidosis, a complication mostly seen in diabetes mellitus I, can cause metabolic acidosis. Ketoacidosis only occurs when diabetes mellitus is not adequately controlled with medications. Renal failure is also a cause of metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic Acidosis and Elevated Potassium
The effect of metabolic acidosis on potassium is to elevated it. The release of potassium from cells in metabolic acidosis causes elevated potassium in the blood. The opposite is true of metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the blood is too basic.
Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis and Elevated Potassium
Treatment of metabolic acidosis depends on its cause. Insulin in used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Potassium in the blood is driven into the cell by the action of insulin. Sodium bicarbonate, which acts as a base, can be used to treat metabolic acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate is only a temporary solution until a cause is identified.
Dialysis is used to treat elevated potassium when the function of the kidneys is compromised. Loop diuretics, or "water pills", can also be used for treatment of elevated potassium; they act on the kidneys, forcing out potassium into the urine.
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