Acidosis

Increased acidity.


An increase in the acidity of blood plasma to below the normal range of pH 7.3-7.45, resulting from a loss of the buffering capacity of the plasma, alteration in the excretion of carbon dioxide, excessive loss of base from the body or metabolic overproduction of acids.


Too much acid in the blood and body fluids.


A metabolic condition in which the capacity of the body to buffer changes in pH is diminished. Hence, acidosis is accompanied by decreased blood pH (i.e., the blood becomes more acidic than is normal).


Higher-than-normal acidity in body fluids due to the accumulation of acids or the excessive loss of bicarbonate.


A pathologic condition resulting from an abnormal increase in the level of hydrogen ion in the body (decrease in pH) resulting from the accumulation of acid or loss of the alkaline reserve.


An elevation in the acidity of the blood.


A condition when there are more acid waste products such as urea than usual in the blood because of a lack of alkali.


When the blood pH falls below 7.4, acidosis develops. Metabolic acidosis refers to changes in the bicarbonate concentration in the blood; respiratory acidosis refers to changes in carbon dioxide pressure. Dehydration, uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, low carbohydrate diets, cardiac failure, and pulmonary insufficiency can result in acidosis.


Acidosis is a condition of excess acid accumulation and thus a low pH in the body. Typical body pH is approximately 7.4. In sports, transient acidosis occurs when the rate of acid production (e.g., lactic acid, etc.) exceeds the rate of removal.


Disturbance in the normal acid-base balance of the body in which the blood and body tissues are more acidic than normal. It may result from respiratory causes leading to retention of carbon dioxide, as in breathing disorders; from metabolic causes such as prolonged or severe diarrhea, from impaired kidney function, as a complication of diabetes, or as a result of several common poisonings (salicylate, cyanide, isoniazide, methanol).


An abnormal increase in hydrogen ion concentration in the body.


An abnormal acid condition of the blood.


A serious metabolic disorder that results from the accumulation of acid or a depletion of the alkaline content of the blood and tissues. The pH of the blood becomes abnormally low, indicating that the blood is excessively acidic. Acidosis occurs in cases of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Severe kidney disorders, and some lung diseases. Respiratory acidosis can result from conditions that prevent the lungs from ventilating properly, causing carbon dioxide to accumulate. Treatment for acidosis depends on the underlying cause. For example, ketoacidosis from uncontrolled diabetes requires administration of intravenous fluids and insulin. In severe cases, sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the acid may be given, or a mechanical ventilator may be used to improve respiration.


A condition in which there is either a production in the body of two abnormal acids — beta-hydroxybutyric and acetoacetic acids; or a diminution in the alkali reserve of the blood.


An actual or relative increase in the acidity of blood due to an accumulation of acids (as in diabetic acidosis or renal disease) or an excessive loss of bicarbonate (as in renal disease). The hydrogen ion concentration of the fluid is increased, lowering the pH.


An ailment arising from an elevation in the abundance of hydrogen ions within the bloodstream leads to an ensuing reduction in the blood’s pH level, rendering it more acidic.


An imbalance in the acid-base equilibrium of the human body, characterized by an excessive buildup of acid or a depletion of alkali (base), gives rise to a condition known as acidosis. Acidosis can be classified into two types: metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis.


In metabolic acidosis, an increased amount of acid is produced by metabolic processes. One form of metabolic acidosis is ketoacidosis, which occurs in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and starvation. Metabolic acidosis may also be caused by loss of bicarbonate (an alkali) as a result of severe diarrhoea. In kidney failure, there is insufficient excretion of acid in the urine.


Respiratory acidosis arises when the respiratory system fails to expel an adequate amount of carbon dioxide from the lungs. Consequently, the surplus carbon dioxide lingers in the bloodstream, where it dissolves and forms carbonic acid, resulting in heightened acidity of the blood. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one potential cause of impaired breathing that can lead to respiratory acidosis.


The human body is a complex system of chemicals that typically maintains a delicate balance between acidity and alkalinity. When there is an excessive loss of alkali or an accumulation of incompletely oxidized acidic substances, this condition is referred to as acidosis. It can occur in children following severe vomiting episodes and is also seen in poorly managed cases of diabetes. In some instances, acidosis can become so severe that individuals experience labored breathing (gasping) and, in extreme cases, may even lapse into a coma.


The cause of this excess acid may be an overindulgence in food or liquor or even anxiety that keys up the nervous system and the nerves of the stomach. Relief can be quickly obtained by using an acid-neutralizing powder or medicine. The use of bicarbonate of soda for this purpose is to be condemned because it not only initiates further production of acid but, at the same time, produces stomach gas, which is difficult for the patient to get rid of. Medicines in use for neutralizing excess gastric acid include aluminum hydroxide, the various trisilicates, and magnesium hydroxide. Preparations of bismuth do not neutralize the acid but coat the stomach with an opaque powder that allays irritation of the lining and lessens the output of acid. Chalk preparations and bland food, such as milk, will also neutralize and soak up excess acid, and it is for this reason that many people suffering from acidity find that frequent small meals of bland foods bring relief. If gastric acidity and indigestion persist beyond two or three days, a doctor should be consulted, as important investigations may be necessary and the continued use of antacid preparations may merely conceal a condition in urgent need of medical attention.


A condition where the blood turns acidic due to an excessive amount of hydrogen, which can result from respiratory or metabolic issues.


 


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