Lactic acidosis is a dangerous condition caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the blood, often due to strenuous exercise or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication or dialysis.
Lactic acidosis is a serious health condition that occurs from the buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This condition is dangerous because acid builds up in the blood faster than it is removed. Lactic acid is made up of red blood cells and muscle cells. Acid is formed when oxygen levels drop significantly in the body. A person with this condition should receive immediate medical attention.
Most commonly, lactic acidosis occurs as a result of strenuous exercise. Generally, the more a person exercises, the more oxygen they need to keep the process going. Sometimes, the body is unable to meet the oxygen demand. When this happens, glucose can no longer be properly broken down and used for energy. This can cause hypoxia or a deprivation of oxygen in body tissues, which can form lactic acid, and high accumulations of it cause lactic acidosis.
There may be some additional causes of lactic acidosis. Sometimes, the condition is caused by an existing medical condition. Frequently contributing conditions include lung, liver, heart, and kidney disease. Lung disease can further affect your oxygen intake. Also, malfunctioning kidneys can affect their ability to remove acid from the body.
Other pre-existing conditions that can lead to this condition include cancer, respiratory failure, hypoglycemia, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Blood diseases such as leukemia and anemia can also cause this problem. Additionally, individuals who are dehydrated, have alcohol poisoning, and are known to take certain medications, particularly certain diabetes medications, develop lactic acidosis.
Symptoms of lactic acidosis can include nausea, weakness, abdominal pain, and sweating. The condition can also cause disorganized breathing. Many people experience very rapid breathing, which can lead to shortness of breath. Confusion, low blood pressure, and clammy skin may also occur. The most serious side effects are shock, unconsciousness and death.
Generally, doctors order various blood tests to accurately diagnose lactic acidosis. A urinalysis may also be performed to check the acidity level of the urine. The cause of this condition will need to be determined for proper treatment. Multiple tests can be done to find out an underlying medical cause. Test results can help your doctor treat the disease causing your acid levels to rise.
Treatment for this condition is usually directly related to its cause. For example, if the underlying cause is a kidney disorder, certain medications may be prescribed to help the kidneys work better. In this situation, dialysis may also be administered. Sometimes, baking soda is given to neutralize the acidity in the blood. If a doctor has reason to believe that multiple factors are contributing to the condition, more than one method of treatment may be prescribed.
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