Metabolic acidosis is a medical condition that occurs when there is an accumulation of acid in the body. Many of the processes that occur in the body produce acid. The kidney and the lungs help in compensating for slight PH imbalance in the body. Meanwhile, when there is a problem with any of these organs, it can lead to excess acid accumulating in the body and blood. Metabolic acidosis is not contagious.
Risk factors of Metabolic acidosis include kidney disease, diabetes, alcoholism, severe diarrhoea, methanol poisoning, salicylate poisoning, shock or cardiac arrest, severe dehydration, and liver disease.
There are four major types of metabolic acidosis. They include Diabetic acidosis, Hyperchloremic acidosis, Lactic acidosis, and Renal tubular acidosis.
Symptoms of metabolic acidosis are rapid breathing, confusion, fatigue, headache, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and weakness. Complications of metabolic acidosis include kidney damage, heart failure, shock, coma, and even death.
Laboratory Diagnosis of metabolic acidosis includes arterial blood gas, urinalysis, electrolyte level, urea and creatinine level, calcium level, and blood glucose level. These tests check for underlying causes of metabolic acidosis.
The treatment of metabolic acidosis is by medications and proper diets. To prevent metabolic acidosis, drink a lot of water and other fluids, embrace proper diabetic management and avoid alcohol.
Visit MedBioTech for your basic metabolic panel tests and urine test for accurate diagnosis.
References:
my.clevelandclinic.org
www.healthline.com