Acidosis is a condition characterized by increased levels of acid in the blood more than the normal limit. This condition can occur when lung or kidney function is impaired. With proper treatment, the acid levels of people with acidosis can return to normal.
The acidity of the body is controlled by the lungs and kidneys. When these two organs do not function properly, the balance of acids and bases in the blood can be disturbed. This disorder can be a decrease or increase in blood acid levels.
Acidosis is characterized by increased levels of acid in the blood. Normally, the degree of acidity (pH) in a person's blood is 7.4. In acidosis, the blood pH drops to 7.35 or lower.
Types of Acidosis
Based on the cause, acidosis can be divided into two types, namely:
respiratory acidosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs when the level of carbon dioxide (CO .)2) in the blood in excess. Normally, carbon dioxide is expelled from the body when breathing. In patients with respiratory acidosis, this gas secretion is disrupted and makes it retained in the blood.
This condition can be caused by:
- Chronic respiratory disorders, eg chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Injury to the chest
- Obesity that causes difficulty breathing
- Sedative drug abuse
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Nervous disorders
Respiratory acidosis is usually characterized by symptoms of the body easily tired, easily drowsy, shortness of breath, and headaches.
Metabolic acidosis
There are many things that can cause metabolic acidosis, including when the kidneys can't excrete excess acid through urine or when the body produces too much acid.
Patients with metabolic acidosis will usually experience a characteristic shortness of breath, namely the breath becomes long and deep. In addition, sufferers can also experience headaches, fatigue, increased heart rate, stomach pain, decreased appetite, or even decreased consciousness.
This condition is divided into 4 types, namely:
1. Lactic acidosis
Lactic acidosis is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the body. Increased production of lactic acid occurs when the oxygen available in the blood cannot meet the body's needs, for example during excessive exercise, blood pressure drops drastically, or heart failure.
2. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when insulin levels in the body are very low due to diabetes. In this condition, the body cannot use blood sugar as an energy source.
Instead, the body will burn fat for energy. However, apart from producing energy, burning fat also produces ketones. Too many ketones in the blood can make the blood acidic.
3. Hyperchloremic acidosis
This acidosis occurs when the body loses a lot of sodium bicarbonate, a compound that can neutralize acids in the blood. This condition can occur in kidney disorders or in severe diarrhea and vomiting.
4. Renal tubular acidosis (renal acidosis)
Renal tubular acidosis occurs when the kidneys are unable to excrete acid in the urine, causing the blood to become acidic. This can occur in some kidney diseases as well as immune system disorders or genetic disorders that can damage the kidneys.
How to Treat Acidosis
When suspected of acidosis, the doctor will perform blood tests, especially blood gas analysis, and urine tests first. The goal is to establish the diagnosis and determine whether the type of acidosis is respiratory or metabolic.
In the case of respiratory acidosis, treatment from the doctor will usually focus on helping the patient's lungs work, for example by giving oxygen and drugs to relieve the respiratory tract.
In the case of metabolic acidosis, treatment can vary. Hyperchloremic acidosis, renal acidosis, and lactic acidosis are usually treated with sodium bicarbonate to balance the acid. Meanwhile, the treatment of acidosis triggered by diabetes is focused on giving intravenous fluids and insulin.
Although generally treatable, acidosis can also cause death if the condition is severe and treatment is delayed. Therefore, it would be better if acidosis can be prevented before it occurs.
You can start prevention by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining an ideal body weight, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
If you already have a disease that can cause acidosis, such as diabetes or chronic lung disease, make sure you regularly check your condition with your doctor.
