Related articles: Metabolic acidosis
Definition
Metabolic acidosis is an accumulation of acids in the body, not adequately compensated for as many basic substances. The result of this acid-base imbalance is a marked or slight decrease in the pH value which, in the long run, can create important health problems (arterial pH <7.35).
Metabolic acidosis can occur due to increased production or ingestion of acidic substances, reduced excretion or loss of bicarbonates (HCO 3 ) from the gastrointestinal tract or kidney. The causes that can lead to this metabolic decompensation are varied. Some are linked to diseases that interfere with biochemical or metabolic balance, others depend on lifestyle (eg when you eat unbalanced with a diet rich in animal and vegetable-poor foods). Possible causes of acidosis are: accumulation of ketones and lactic acid, kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, profuse vomiting or diarrhea, use of diuretics, chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, ingestion of particular drugs or toxins. Moreover, among the causes there can also be liver diseases and kidney diseases, heart diseases and respiratory disorders.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Halitosis
- Anorexia
- Arrhythmia
- Asthenia
- Coma
- Conati
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dyspnoea
- Mood disorders
- Articolar pains
- Muscle pains
- Shortness of breath
- hyperkalaemia
- hyperpnea
- Hyperventilation
- Hypotension
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Osteoporosis
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Water retention
- Drowsiness
- tachypnoea
- He retched
Further indications
Metabolic acidosis symptoms mainly depend on the cause that caused it. Mild cases may be asymptomatic, while more severe acidosis (pH <7.10) may cause nausea and vomiting associated with headache, fatigue, drowsiness and malaise. The most characteristic sign is hyperpnea (deep and long breaths at a normal frequency). Metabolic acidosis can also cause muscle cramps, joint pain, loss of appetite and water retention.
Severe and acute acidosis predisposes to cardiac dysfunction with hypotension and ventricular arrhythmias. In untreated forms you can even get to a coma. Chronic acidosis, on the other hand, causes bone demineralization disorders (eg osteoporosis).
The usually recommended therapy involves the resolution of the underlying cause and, if the pH is very low, it may be indicated to infuse intravenously alkalizing solutions in order to restore the acid-base balance.
