Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the acid level withinthe blood is higher than normal. By definition, the condition is not due tobreathing problems, which is known as respiratory acidosis.

What is going on in the body?

The lungs and kidneys help control the amount of acid in the blood. These twoorgans work hard to keep a normal level of acid in the blood. Certain non-lungdiseases and conditions, when severe, can overwhelm the kidneys. Alternatively,the kidneys themselves may not work. Either of these situations can cause highacid levels in the blood, or metabolic acidosis.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Metabolic acidosis can be caused by many different situations, including:

Other causes are also possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

In many cases, there are no symptoms from the metabolic acidosis. Often, theremay be symptoms related to the underlying medical problem that has lead to themetabolic acidosis. If metabolic acidosis becomes severe, the person maydevelop:

If the metabolic acidosis is not effectively treated, it can lead to death.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Metabolic acidosis may be suspected after a history and physical exam. The diagnosisis often confirmed with a blood test called arterial blood gases. This test will demonstrate an increased level ofacid within the blood, and may help figure out the cause.

Further tests mayalso be needed to diagnose the underlying problem. For example, a blood glucose test can help diagnosediabetes. Blood tests known as the BUNand creatinine level can help diagnosekidney failure. Other tests are also possible.

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Metabolic acidosis often cannot be prevented. Medications should be taken asprescribed. Those with diabetes should check their blood sugar levelsregularly. Antifreeze and other harmful chemicals should be kept out of thereach of young children. Those with diarrhea should drink a lot of fluids toavoid dehydration.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Most people recover fully once the cause of the metabolic acidosis is treated, and have no long-termeffects. Severe acidosis may result in coma or death if not corrected.

What are the risks to others?

Metabolic acidosis is not contagious and does not put other people at risk.

What are the treatments for the disease?

The main goal of treatment is to correct the underlying problem that createdthe metabolic acidosis. Once the cause is treated, the body will naturally correct theacid level. For example, someone with diabetic ketoacidosis needs insulin, anatural hormone that can be given as a medication to lower the blood sugar level.Those who have shock due to a severe infection may need antibiotics or surgery.In some cases, dialysis is required.Dialysis is a procedure to filter the blood. It is usually done when thekidneys fail or after a severe drug overdose.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications have possible side effects. For example, antibiotics maycausallergic reactions and stomachupset. Other side effects may occur and depend on the medications used.Dialysis carries a risk for low blood pressure, infection and other problems.Surgery carries a risk of bleeding and infection.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

If the underlying cause of the metabolic acidosis can be treated, the acid levels in the body usually return to normal. In these cases, no further treatment may be needed. Those with permanent kidney failure may need dialysis for the rest of their lives.

How is the disease monitored?

Repeated blood tests can be done to follow the acid level in the blood ifneeded. Other monitoring relates to the cause. For example, someone with diabetes needs to monitor his or her blood sugar levels regularly for life. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.