Acidosis Symptoms

Acidosis is an abnormally high concentration of acid in the blood and body tissues. It is a dangerous condition that when left untreated can cause the death of the patient.

Symptoms

• A person with acidosis can exhibit symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness, vomiting and even breath that smells of acetone (as in nail-polish remover). Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, lethargy, dry skin, dry mouth, flushed face, frequent urination, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and headache.

Types

• There are several types of acidosis. The two major categories are acute respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is caused by an excess of carbon dioxide usually resulting from a decrease in breathing. Metabolic acidosis has many forms, including diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperchloremic acidosis and lactic acidosis.

Treatment

• The treatment for respiratory acidosis can include oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, respiratory stimulants, drug therapy and acetazolamide. Treating metabolic acidosis depends on the type a patient has. In the case of diabetic ketoacidosis the treatments can be fluid- and electrolyte-replacement, and insulin therapy. After indentifying the primary illness, treatments for lactic acidosis can include intravenous saline, oxygen and antibiotics.

Who Can Get Acidosis?

• Anyone who eats an excess amount of protein without carbohydrates as well as diabetics off their insulin can suffer from acidosis. Ketoacidosis can usually be prevented when the patient follows a healthy insulin routine. Even usually healthy people can suffer from acidosis.

When to See a Doctor

• Anytime acidosis is suspected, you should contact your doctor. If allowed to go untreated for too long, acidosis can be a deadly illness. The sooner the underlying cause is identified and treatment for the acidosis is started, the better the prognosis usually is.