Acidosis is a condition in which there is a buildup of too much acid in the blood. The two major types of acidosis are metabolic and respiratory, each having different causes, effects and treatments.
Identification
Respiratory acidosis is caused by conditions that affect the lungs' ability to get rid of carbon dioxide, while metabolic acidosis is caused by metabolizing (breaking down) something that has been ingested into an acid, according to Merck Manuals.
Types
Metabolic acidosis may occur because of ingesting wood alcohol, antifreeze or large amounts of aspirin, because of abnormal metabolism, shock, diabetes and abnormal kidney function. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, severe pneumonia, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), asthma), muscle and nerve conditions that affect breathing and taking medications that affect breathing can cause respiratory acidosis, according to Merck Manuals.
Effects
Respiratory acidosis can lead to confusion, becoming fatigued easily, feeling lethargic or sleepy and shortness of breath; metabolic acidosis can lead to rapid breathing, confusion, lethargy, shock and death, according to Medline Plus.
Diagnosis
To diagnose acidosis, doctors use a blood pH test, as well as other tests, to determine the cause of the acidosis, according to Merck Manuals.
Treatment
Treatments for acidosis include intravenous fluids and intravenous bicarbonate in some severe cases, according to Merck Manuals. The underlying cause of acidosis must also be treated in order to correct the condition.
Tags: according Merck, according Merck Manuals, Merck Manuals, that affect, acidosis according, acidosis according Merck