Acidosis

Acidosis is decreased arterial pH (below 7.35), classified as metabolic (primary bicarbonate loss, high anion gap or normal) or respiratory (primary CO2 retention). Clinical: malaise, headache, lethargy, Kussmaul deep breathing (metabolic), and hemodynamic instability in severe. Causes include DKA, lactic acidosis, renal failure, diarrhea, and respiratory failure. Treatment: identify and reverse the underlying cause; correct perfusion/ventilation; bicarbonate only in severe acidemia.

Common Symptoms

Malaise; headache; lethargy; Kussmaul breathing; nausea; confusion; hemodynamic instability

Causes and Pathogenesis

Excess acid production/retention or bicarbonate loss, or hypoventilation raising CO2, lowers pH and impairs enzyme/cardiovascular function.

Treatment

Treat underlying cause (DKA/lactic/renal/respiratory); restore perfusion/ventilation; bicarbonate in severe acidemia

Preventive Measures

Manage diabetes/renal/respiratory disease; monitor acid-base in critical illness.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Internal Medicine department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.