Sodium bicarbonate can reverse the effects of metabolic acidosis.
Baking soda, scientifically called sodium bicarbonate, is much more than just an ingredient for baking. In cases of severe metabolic acidosis, it can also be a life-saving medication. As an injectable solution, sodium bicarbonate quickly acts to lower the body's pH and reverse the damaging effects of acidosis.
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body is too acidic as a result of either the body producing too much acid, the kidneys removing too little acid or the loss of bicarbonate ions from the blood. Metabolic acidosis can result from a number of underlying conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, severe dehydration or diarrhea, aspirin poisoning and lactic acid buildup. In severe cases, metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or even death.
Sodium Bicarbonate
In the blood, the bicarbonate ion (HCO3) is a critical component for the acid-base buffering system in the body. It helps to maintain the body's pH at a level of 7.4. When administered in the blood, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) reacts with excess hydrogen ions to form water and carbon dioxide. Sodium bicarbonate is administered intravenously to treat for metabolic acidosis. The solution of sodium bicarbonate and water has a pH range from 7.5 to 8.
Indications
When metabolic acidosis is the result of bicarbonate loss or decreased kidney functioning, sodium bicarbonate is an appropriate treatment. In other cases of metabolic acidosis, the underlying cause should be treated as opposed to the symptom of acidosis. If the body's pH reaches levels below 7, intravenous sodium bicarbonate treatment is recommended regardless of the cause. This treatment is solely to minimize the negative effects of acidosis on the body.
Considerations
The target pH during treatment of metabolic acidosis is 7.2. During administration, serum pH and bicarbonate levels must be checked regularly and adequate ventilation should be ensured for the removal of excess carbon dioxide.
Risks
Treating with sodium bicarbonate can lead to several very serious vascular conditions such as increased sodium levels, lowered potassium levels and excess carbon dioxide. Additionally, if the dosage of sodium bicarbonate is too high, the body's pH can elevate, resulting in metabolic alkalosis.
Tags: sodium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, metabolic acidosis, sodium bicarbonate, acidosis body, acidosis result, cases metabolic