Metabolic Acidosis - symptom, Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic Acidosis Information
Metabolic acidosis is a disturbance of the body acid-base balance in which there is excessive acidity of the blood. Metabolic acidosis occurs from either loss of HCO3 or addition of H. HCO3 loss generally occurs through the kidneys or the bowel. This condition should be considered a sign of an underlying disease process affecting the body.
Mixed metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis are diagnosed when the change in the anion gap (AG) does not equal the change in HCO 3 . Lactic acidosis is the most common and most important acidosis encountered in the ICU. Metabolic acidosis most commonly stimulates the central and peripheral chemoreceptors that control respiration, resulting in an increase in alveolar ventilation, which results in a compensatory respiratory alkalosis.
Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis
- rapid breathing.
- Confusion
- lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Polyphagia
- headache
Causes of Metabolic Acidosis
Kidney failure is another important cause of metabolic acidosis.
Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis
Treatment for this condition depends on the underlyign causes. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) may be given to improve the acidity of the blood. If the acidosis is particularly severe and/or there may be intoxication, consultation with the nephrology team is considered useful, as dialysis may clear both the intoxication and the acidosis.
|
