Acidosis (abnormal blood chemistry)

About Acidosis (abnormal blood chemistry)

A change in the blood's pH to an acidic state. Acidosis can be caused by many different disorders including diabetes out of control (diabetic ketoacidosis/DKA), starvation (especially with alcohol abuse), kidney failure, aspirin overdose, severe infections (sepsis), and severe low blood pressure.

Symptoms

Confusion, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed in addition to the measurement of serum electrolytes to confirm the diagnosis and to help find the cause of the acidosis.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Urinalysis (UA).

Conventional treatment summary

Therapy is aimed at treating the cause of the acidosis and reversing the metabolic imbalance. Treatment includes: intravenous fluids, and if very severe, infusion of sodium bicarbonate. For additional information contact the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov or call (800)891-5390.

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Nephrology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Acidosis (abnormal blood chemistry).