Generally defined, metabolic acidosis is a condition that involves bodily fluids containing too much acid. Furthermore, this is a condition that occurs whenever too much acid is produced, as well as whenever the kidneys fail to remove a sufficient amount of acid from the body itself.

Many different types of metabolic acidosis exist, which include the following:

• Diabetic acidosis. Also commonly referred to as either ketoacidosis and DKA, this condition occurs whenever ketone bodies are built up during type 1 diabetes that is uncontrolled.
• Hyperchloremic acidosis. This can result from a large amount of sodium bicarbonate being lost, which is something that can happen with a condition such as severe diarrhea.
• Lactic acidosis. This is typically a buildup of lactic acid in the body and can be caused by a number of different issues, including cancer, alcohol consumption, liver failure, medications, low blood sugar levels, seizures, and lack of oxygen.

Metabolic acidosis can also be caused by other different issues, including the following:

• Kidney disease
• Severe dehydration
• Methanol, aspirin, or ethylene glycol poisoning

In most cases, metabolic acidosis symptoms can be caused by the underlying conditions or diseases that are causing the issue to begin with.

Generally, this can cause rapid breathing, lethargy, and confusion to occur. However, if the issue is more severe, it can lead to either shock or death. There are also cases where metabolic acidosis can be mild and/or chronic in nature.

There are many great ways to help confirm whether or not metabolic acidosis is actually present, such as an arterial blood gas analysis or a serum electrolytes test.

These types of examinations will also determine whether the specific acidosis case is either metabolic or respiratory. However, there may be instances where other types of examinations may be needed.

Treatment

Treatment is generally aimed at the main underlying condition. There are some instances in which a sodium bicarbonate supplement or even baking soda itself may be administered to help improve the acidity of blood in the body.