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This Causes Metabolic Acidosis and How to Overcome It

Blood needs a balance of acids and bases in order to function properly. If the acid levels in the body are too much then the body will experience acidosis. If this condition occurs because of a disturbance in the metabolic process which decreases the levels of bicarbonate in the blood, then it is called metabolic acidosis. This situation is often associated with kidney disease. Symptoms that may be a sign of metabolic acidosis, can vary. But often people with metabolic acidosis will experience shortness of breath accompanied by headaches, feeling weak and tired, becoming confused, breathing quickly, increasing heart rate, vomiting and stomach aches, to reducing appetite, and can even be accompanied by decreased awareness. Some of the causes of metabolic acidosis include:
  • Lactic acidosis

  • The content of lactic acid that is too much in the body is a trigger for lactic acidosis. This increased production of lactic acid levels occurs when the body's cells do not have enough oxygen to use, this can be influenced by excessive alcohol consumption, heart failure, cancer, liver failure, long-term lack of oxygen, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, and excessive exercise that can cause a buildup of lactic acid.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Usually experienced by diabetics. This condition, known as diabetic ketoacidosis, occurs when insulin levels in the body are at a low threshold, so the body cannot process blood sugar (glucose) properly. In addition, low insulin levels will also cause the formation of ketones, which can make acid levels in the blood increase.
  • Hyperchloremic acidosis

  • This happens when you have severe diarrhea which may be caused by improper laxatives. Vomiting and kidney disease can also be the cause. These things make bicarbonate levels low, whereas, bicarbonate has a role in helping neutralize acids in the blood.
  • Renal tubular acidosis (renal)

  • Kidney tubular acidosis occurs when the kidneys cannot release acid from the blood through urine. This causes the blood to become acidic. Kidney disease and immune system disorders and genetic disorders that can damage the kidneys, are triggers for kidney tubular acidosis.

Proper handling

If you are suspected of having metabolic acidosis, your doctor may recommend that you immediately conduct a series of blood tests (especially blood gas analysis) and also a urine test to determine the extent of your metabolic acidosis. If metabolic acidosis occurs due to low levels of bicarbonate, your doctor may give bicarbonate so that acid levels in the blood and the body can be balanced again. Treatment with sodium bicarbonate can overcome metabolic acidosis, while preventing kidney disease from getting worse. However, the use of this drug must be really under the supervision of a doctor. Preventing as early as possible so that the risk of metabolic acidosis can be minimized is the right step that can be taken. You can start by adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding alcohol consumption which can trigger an increase in lactic acid in the body. In addition, it is also advisable to routinely check blood sugar so that blood sugar levels can be controlled, especially for diabetics. Blood sugar control can prevent ketoacidosis which is one of the causes of metabolic acidosis. If you experience symptoms of metabolic acidosis, or have a medical condition such as uncontrolled diabetes, see your doctor immediately to confirm the condition and take the recommended treatment.

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