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Archive for the ‘Acidosis’ Category

Diagnosis

You suspect a metabolic acidosis by the symptoms, but is usually confirmed by laboratory tests of blood and urine samples. A blood pH below 7.35 confirms the condition. Levels of other blood components, such as potassium, glucose, ketones or lactic acid can also be above normal levels. The blood bicarbonate level is low, usually less than 22mEq/l. The urine pH may fall below 4.5 on the metabolic acidosis.

Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to correct the imbalance of acids. Usually sodium bicarbonate is injected into the blood and fluids intravenously. If the patient is diabetic, you can administer insulin. May be given medicines to control blood pressure or heart rate to prevent seizures or to control nausea and vomiting. It will monitor vital signs like pulse, respiration, blood pressure and body temperature. The underlying cause of metabolic acidosis must also be diagnosed and corrected. Read the rest of this entry »

Metabolic acidosis is a pH imbalance in the body has accumulated too much acid and does not have enough bicarbonate to effectively neutralize the effects of acid.

Metabolic acidosis by altering the acid/base (alkali) in the body, can be a mild symptom caused by lack of insulin, a starvation diet or a gastrointestinal disorder like vomiting and diarrhea. The metabolic acidosis may indicate a more serious problem of a major organ such as liver, heart or kidneys. It can also be one of the first signs of overdose or poisoning.

Symptoms

In cases of mild metabolic acidosis, symptoms include headache, lack of energy, and drowsiness. Breathing may be rapid and shallow. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and loss of appetite are also associated with metabolic acidosis. Diabetic patients with symptoms of metabolic acidosis can also have a fruity breath odor. The patient may lose consciousness or become disoriented. Severe cases can cause coma and death. Read the rest of this entry »