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Metabolic acidosis is an acid-base disorder in the body that can lead to serious health problems if not properly diagnosed and treated.
In this article, we will discuss what exactly metabolic acidosis is, its symptoms, causes, how to make a diagnosis and what are the methods of treating this condition.
What is metabolic acidosis?
Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the body accumulates too much acid, leading to a lower pH in the blood and other body fluids. This disorder results from the incorrect metabolism of acids that are produced in the body during metabolism. This can lead to disruption of the acid-base balance, which affects many body functions.
Symptoms of metabolic acidosis
Symptoms of metabolic acidosis may be diverse and depend on the severity of the disease and its cause. The most common symptoms are:
- Stomachache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Catching your breath
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Consciousness disorders, including loss of consciousness
- Increased thirst and more frequent urination
These symptoms can be severe and lead to serious complications, such as damage to internal organs, if not properly identified and treated.
Causes of metabolic acidosis
The causes of metabolic acidosis can be diverse, but most often result from three main factors:
- Metabolic disorders such as type 1 diabetes, in which the body is unable to process glucose properly, leading to the production of excessive amounts of acid.
- Improper diet, rich in high-protein products or rich in organic acids, which can increase the level of acids in the body.
- Poisonings and diseases that affect acid metabolism, for example kidney failure, which prevents excess acid from being removed from the body.
It is worth remembering that metabolic acidosis may also be the result of inappropriate medications or drugs.
Diagnosis of metabolic acidosis – tests
The diagnosis of metabolic acidosis requires appropriate tests. The most important research are:
- Measuring the pH of blood and urine – the level of acidity in these fluids can provide important diagnostic information.
- Check electrolyte levels, including potassium, sodium and chloride, as acidosis may affect their balance.
- Imaging tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, if there is suspicion of damage to internal organs.
- Additional tests to identify the cause of acidosis, such as blood glucose tests or kidney function tests.
Based on the results of these tests, the doctor can make the correct diagnosis and start treatment.
Treatment of metabolic acidosis
Treatment of metabolic acidosis depends on its cause and severity. In the case of mild forms of the disease, dietary treatment may be sufficient, consisting in limiting the consumption of high-protein products and those rich in organic acids. More severe cases of metabolic acidosis may require hospitalization and administration of medications that help restore the body’s acid-base balance.
If acidosis is the result of another disease, treatment should be directed primarily at the underlying disease that is causing it.
Your suggestions
If you suspect or are experiencing symptoms of metabolic acidosis, consult your doctor immediately. Avoid self-diagnosis and treatment because metabolic acidosis is a serious disorder that requires professional medical care.
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